letter to the editor

When Charlie Brown kicks the ball

Tue, 11/29/2016 - 11:15am

Dear Editor:

In American politics there are two types of voters; the “Lucys” and the “Charlie Browns.” The Lucys are the ones with the ball. They do not like to pay taxes, abide by the rules or tolerate any form of government that interferes with their ability to amass wealth and power. The Charlie Browns are the voters who believe that if they give the Lucys what they ask for, they can play ball, too.

So Lucy promises that she will let Charlie Brown kick the ball down the field. She holds out the temptation of the ball. She promises that she can be trusted this time. Charlie Brown runs, kicks, and ends up flat on his back. In the comics it is funny but played out in elections it is tragic. And it happens over and over again.

We had high hopes that this president would drain the swamp. That this time, the Charlie Browns might actually be able to kick the ball down the field. But already our president-elect is already backing off from core promises and appointing establishment insiders to his cabinet and important posts. More importantly, Mr. Trump has substantial and direct conflicts of interest that make draining any swamp unlikely. It appears that we have tasked an alligator with draining the swamp.

If we ever hope to drain the swamp, we need to stop being Charlie Browns in believing what politicians promise. What Charlie Brown fails to understand is that money loves money and power loves power. Lucy will never willingly let go of the ball.

Politicians and their parties will make endless promises. And Charlie Brown will always be hopeful of kicking the ball down the field. But we need to exercise a more healthy skepticism about who is actually willing and able to deliver on their promises. We need to be more discerning as to who are the Lucys in American politics. Then we need to kick Lucy off the field.

Fred W. Nehring
Boothbay