Obama

My October Surprise

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In American political jargon, an “October Surprise” is a term used to characterize late-breaking and potentially game-changing information leading up to an election, particularly a presidential election.  It was first used in the 1972 Presidential election of Richard Nixon, regarding the Vietnam War and a speech made by Henry Kissinger predicting “peace is at hand”.  More recently, the photo-op of NJ Governor Chris Christie and President Obama walking on the NJ shore following Hurricane Sandy was seen by some as the October Surprise that ensured Obama’s re-election to a second term.  It remains to be seen whether or not the Ebola outbreak in America will surprise Senate Democrats and their quest to maintain control of the Senate.

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Personally, my October surprise came in the form of a powerful cold front earlier this month that ripped a portion of our metal roof off our home.  It has been a game-changer for me, redirecting my focus away from the mid-term election, while wading through insurance policies, cosmetic clauses and getting quotes for both repair and/or replacement costs – should we successfully win our claim for the latter.  Someone did ask me recently for my thoughts on a few statewide offices.  Never short on opinion or passion I filled his ear.  Hopefully I can “get a grasp – at least in outline” – for our local paper.  Channeling Aristotle . . .

It Matters!: Free Speech Going the Way of the Missouri Rodeo Clown?

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Missouri rodeo clown in Obama mask

Missouri rodeo clown in Obama mask

During a recent eulogy, the speaker remarked that as a minister he’d learned to “understand people in their context.”  The point he was making was that it is important to understand the circumstances in which a particular event occurs.   The situation or setting of an activity can suggest or inform its meaning.  In other words, context matters!

The fate of the rodeo clown, who donned an Obama mask during a bull riding skit and proceeded to . . . well, practice his trade – namely entertain the crowd – is a blow to personal liberty.  The importance of the protection of free speech in securing our natural rights is paramount, as indicated by its ordering in the Bill of Rights:  The FIRST Amendment.   Reflection and choice are central to the democratic process.  Reflection has many forms and faces, occurring in private and public places  (where’s Dr. Seuss when you need him?!)  Political satire is an American tradition.  And who doesn’t enjoy a good laugh now and then?  Weren’t we taught as children to learn to laugh at ourselves?!

Certainly a credible – or perhaps any – threat to the life of the President is necessarily serious and unlawful.  But should we not consider the circumstances in which the offending activity occurred . . . the context?  I recall a movie that featured armed, bank robbers,  donning masks of some U.S. Presidents,  committing murder during the commencement of their crimes.  Were there calls for any of the participating actors, director or studio executives to be permanently banned from their professions?  (As an interesting side note, check out the party affiliations of the offending Presidents in the movie.)  Character counts and context matters.