When George Bush ventures to speak in public, the comedic elements, however dark, are obvious. His stumbles and bumbles never fail to summon laughter in our household, especially when cleverly enhanced by a Jon Stewart or Stephen Colbert.
But then comes the realization that the class clown has been crowned king, or even worse, gathered unto himself, with the help of fiendish accomplices and cowardly enablers, a dictatorship. Then it is the solemn Greek chorus provided by the eloquent Keith Olbermann that seems most appropriate.
The optimistic hope that America is in her second act, that a credible threat to her survival now enjoys temporary advantage only to be vanquished in time for the joyous conclusion of the third act. Their deus ex machina is the November 7 election which will, they believe, install droves of peace-loving, Constitution-fearing Democrats in the House of Representatives and Senate, thereby marking the turning of the tide.
What is it that is unfolding before our eyes? Will the ghosts of the Founders guide a nearly lost America back to freedom and justice? Or will the faults of hubris and complacency bring about the heart-breaking demise of the nation?