Elephantiasis of the Head

A study involving elephants and their ability to recognize themselves in a mirror was conducted at the Bronx Zoo earlier this month. With varying degrees of success, the pachyderms reacted to various stimuli designed to detect their ability to recognize themselves in a reflected image. The ability to do so suggests that these magnificent beasts claim a characteristic most rare in the animal world: self-awareness.

The Congress of Elephants (note to those blessed with a dirty mind: NOT a reference to the Kama Sutra) have spent the last six years of their time in office supporting the president and the War in Iraq. Had they not they might still enjoy reserved seating at the capitol. Instead, they huddled beneath the cape of King George only to scurry away from him like rats when the pollsters flicked on the light revealing the dissidence of the Common Good. They were too late. Bloated by arrogance and an underestimation of the American Voter they were unable to distance themselves far enough from Bush and his War.


Moreover, the Bush Administration has been more loyal to itself than it has been to this country. The most glaring example of this is the president’s prolonged refusal to recognize the incompetency of the now former Secretary of Defense, Donald Rumsfeld, in conducting the war in Iraq. Even Rumsfeld himself realized his expiration date had come and gone yet Bush repeatedly refused to accept his resignation. Until now Bush had saved face, meanwhile, US casualties mount. Only after the election was Rumsfeld tossed overboard like dead weight. Again, too late. Despite Bush’s denials this is a blatant admission, through action rather than words, of some of the colossal blunders of his administration. Maybe now this ship will float. Maybe not. No matter. Shit floats but it still stinks.

A patriot is loyal to his country not to its leaders. Now that The People have spoken what will the surviving Republicans see when they peep into the looking glass? Are the elephants on capital hill, like those found in the Bronx, self-aware, and if so, enough to realize that a White House built on loyalty has been swallowed by it? Will they see a Pat? Or will they see a Rat?