Will Rogers on Bushco & Our Times

Will Rogers was born on this day in 1879 near Claremore, Oklahoma. The phenomenally popular and beloved entertainer and laconically 'plains-spoken' court jester of the commentariat died in a plane crash in Alaska in 1935, but much of what he said about politics and America during his time relates oh so very telling to our time.

Here are some things Will Rogers said that relate directly to our times (specifically the ongoing Reagan-Bush-Bush fiasco) which come to mind.

Will Rogers right on, then and now:

"Well folks, I just finished shooting scenes here in Washington for a movie of the old stage play 'A Texas Steer.' It was the story of a man elected to Washington on bought votes. We are bringing it up to date by not changing it at all...."

"Last year we said, 'Things can't go on like this,' and they didn't. They got worse."

To clarify: "The Republicans have a habit of having three bad years and one good year, and the good one always happens to be election year."

Yes, it's the short memories of American voters is what keeps our politicians in office."

And, "wouldn't it be great if other countries started electing by the ballot instead of the bullet, and us electing by ballot instead of by the bullion?"

Yep, "we'll show the world we're prosperous, even if we have to go broke to do it."

"The principle bad feature [about all the money in politics] is that it will make more men want to hold office, and once a man wants to hold a public office he is absolutely no good for honest work."

"We have the best Congress money can buy."

"You can't believe a thing you read in regard to the officials' statements. The minute anything happens connected with official life, it's just like a cold night - everybody is trying to cover up."

"The Republican Convention opened with a prayer. If the Lord can see his way clear to bless the Republican Party the way it's been carrying on, then the rest of us ought to get it without even asking for it."



... more from Will Rogers ON WAR tomorrow.