Trump wants to ‘ride the storm and direct the whirlwind’
As July 4 arrives, a look at some views of the founding fathers might be on interest.
In many ways, they anticipated the stresses to our democracy that we are currently experiencing. Camera readers may be interested to see what Alexander Hamilton had to say on the topic of a Trump-like phenomenon. The source is Hamilton’s “Objections and Answers Respecting the Administration” of Aug. 18, 1792, which can be found in “The Papers of Alexander Hamilton,” vol. 12.
“The truth unquestionably is, that the only path to a subversion of the republican system of the Country is, by flattering the prejudices of the people, and exciting their jealousies and apprehensions, to throw affairs into confusion, and bring on civil commotion. Tired at length of anarchy, or want of government, they may take shelter in the arms of monarchy for repose and security.
“Those then, who resist a confirmation of public order, are the true Artificers of monarchy — not that this is the intention of the generality of them. Yet it would not be difficult to lay the finger upon some of their party who may justly be suspected. When a man unprincipled in private life desperate in his fortune, bold in his temper, possessed of considerable talents, having the advantage of military habits — despotic in his ordinary demeanour — known to have scoffed in private at the principles of liberty — when such a man is seen to mount the hobby horse of popularity — to join in the cry of danger to liberty — to take every opportunity of embarrassing the General Government & bringing it under suspicion — to flatter and fall in with all the non sense of the zealots of the day — It may justly be suspected that his object is to throw things into confusion that he may ‘ride the storm and direct the whirlwind.'”
Alas, the whirlwind is upon us it seems.
D.R. Mayer, Boulder
As the fireworks boom, remember your pets
We, as humans, understand fireworks and that the explosions are contained, and that the visuals are harmless. We know we are not in danger. But for animals, it seems like the war has come to their homes, whether they are birds in the backyard or dogs or cats in our homes.
This is a matter of restraint and of our understanding of the effects on animals. We can have a fantastic celebration without putting animals through the stress of a fireworks extravaganza in our communities.
We can spare our pets and wildlife from the wartime-like booming sounds, burning smoke, and bright flashing lights of live fireworks displays.
It would make a world of difference to our pets to keep them at home, in a safe and secure room with their favorite toys and a cozy blanket, during this holiday week. Better yet, stay home with them, so they don’t panic with the repetition of booming sounds.
Triggered by these concussive sounds, many pets choose flight. And they go missing. Make sure your pets have identification on their collars. Keeping them indoors during these displays is critical.
Even worse, birds lose their judgment and slam into windows, producing serious injury or death.
There are so many alternatives to celebrating the Fourth of July with fireworks. Ideas include glow sticks, firecracker piñatas, red and blue bubbles, giant bubble blow wands, balloons with LED lights inside, confetti poppers, and silly string.
For the long term, let your city leaders know that you would like to invest in a celebration that doesn’t involve live fireworks. Educate your neighbors, lobby your HOA or local chamber of commerce to change the celebration next year to be 100% animal friendly.
Wayne Pacelle, president, Animal Wellness Action and the Center for a Humane Economy,
