State of My Union

Over the last few weeks, we have suffered, enjoyed and dealt with a wide range of events. From the international constant of terrorism, to the State of Our Union, to 'Deflate-Gate'; this point in our history has been as tumultuous as any, that is, until tomorrow comes.

In particular, I want to discuss the "gate" suffix:

The Watergate Office Complex was the palatial home of the Democratic National Committee (DNC) during the early 1970s. In a nutshell, President Nixon engaged in some unsavory and wholly illegal activities, the least of which was a legitimate attempt to pay for his own breast implants with tax payer money; an incident that goes widely unreported due me just making it up. 

In actuality, Nixon was at the head of an incredible and elaborate conspiracy to subvert and tailor the American political landscape to his benefit. Bugging every opponent under the sun then, attempting to steal the documents that proved his guilt (located in the Watergate Hotel), resulted in the first and so far, only resignation of the leader of the Free World. Yes, it would be shocking if we learned Barry O. was hacking John McCain's computer for his 2008 campaign secrets - or perhaps, more realistically, his wife's own version of 'The Fappening '- but what made this political upheaval truly unique was what it did to the psyche of the American public, specifically in relation to trust. If this were Game of Thrones, It would be as if Ned had pushed Bran out of the tower, putting Winterfell's trust 'to the sword'. 

With anti-establishment sentiments already fermenting from the war in Vietnam, Nixon's Watergate scandal was the first public infidelity experienced by the American People. A catalyst that helped lead to the the ultimate divorce of the American Electorate and its Electee's. 

That is not to say that every politician prior to the Watergate fiasco was the picture of political piousness but, the atmosphere surrounding politics was much like that of the MLB during the steroid era. It was fair to assume a few rules must have bent here or there, maybe even shattered. Though, until Deep Throat (Watergate's clandestine kin of Brian McNamee) produced the smoking needle, few could be bothered to care. Afterwards however, the rules were changed, everyone had something to hide, resulting in a unilateral distrust of American politics and governmental agency. Even a player (candidate) of Derek Jeter's caliber, must face scrutiny. ...And rightly so? 

I leave that question for you to answer. Yes, we should vet our candidates and potential leaders and certainly hold them to a higher esteem, but to what extent? How wide do we allow the crosshatchings in our safety nets to be, what should fall through and what should be caught like a fish, wet, wriggling and slimy?

The moral of the story is this: The Watergate Scandal that culminated in the 1974 resignation of President Richard Milhous Nixon should not be compared or lend itself in anyway to each time Bruce Jenner becomes a woman, Bill Belichik decides to deflate his ball and go home or Janet Jackson wants to show off a nipple or three. Save it for the next time Christie closes a bridge. Otherwise, it loses its kick. Like a fine wine, disrespect ripens with age. 

I realize the uselessness of getting all bent out of shape over a few words. But the broader issue I'm 'tryna' address is a blatant disregard for class, etiquette and circumstance that is infecting our society and the sensationalized media is patient zero. 

If fear of a name produces fear of the thing itself, then disrespect of our country's history will follow the same pattern. 

Right about now, you might be asking yourself, "What is the point to this rambling?". Truthfully, it is what you make of it, what you decide my words mean. For I can only control how I present the material, not how it is perceived. Though, in an effort to add some clarity, I offer this explanation: 

The example of the Watergate Scandal was just that. I chose it as template for a larger issue that is budding out of a lack of respect and trust we as Americans have for our country. Gone are the days where the average American holds our governing offices in high regard (partially due to Watergate). We now must be reminded in speeches that this is 'still' the greatest, most opportunistic country on Earth. Instead, we venerate the media for its willingness to poke, prod and proliferate unnecessary scandal that aims at destroying our self-confidence as a nation. A vindictive approach that hides behind the disguise of human interest and poor puns, the modern media, with few exceptions, has turned this country into a high school clique; in which, all we seem to care about is who slept with who and whatever the hell Kanye decides to call himself this week. 

Personally, I'm waiting for the day he tries to walk on water and falls in, ego first. I doubt Dubya 'hates black people', but I can see why he'd hate Yeezus. Though, whether its Watergate or keeping up with Kardasha-wests, we need to 'retool' and restore our pride. It might be a deadly sin, but without it, we are sure to collapse.

Okay... I get it, its not THAT biga'deal. But still.

-Green