EPIPHANY OF THE DAY

 NEW DAYS

There is an old British idiom that warns, “There's many a slip twixt cup and lip.” Who in their right mind would predict the results of a November election in these troubled times? Too much could happen in a country already weary from false and hyperbolic dialogue. There are too many chances for a “black swan” that could topple our dreams.

But some things are starting to simmer in this stew we call American politics.

Using racial slurs and “dog whistles” against political opponent is so “1950.” Even though transporting America back to that age is the avowed platform of one of the parties, racial foghorns don’t seem to be selling tickets for the ride. Good for us.

Another idea floated to the surface in a speech last eve is the idea of sacrifice, the notion—out of favor in recent years—that a person should sacrifice personal aspirations for the good of the country. It resounded with me, and I’m sure others who made such a decision during the Vietnam War era. "What's in it for me" does mock the very premise of the Sermon on the Mount. Oops, forgot.  The evangelicals on the far right recently redacted that passage.

Then there is the concept of reaching bottom and looking up. Four nearly eight years, many Americans have asked themselves, is there a bottom to the depraved words and actions of politicians on the national stage? First it was mocking the disabled, then veterans, then it was medical professionals, and only this week it was women who have not given birth to a child.

That all may be over. It’s like Americans looked up from dark pit and saw the sun break through.

May its rays reach us all and everyone.