Nobody asked but …
The nation, the USA, is getting dangerously close to the point that proof must be shown that it can save itself from a fatal machination of its own organization. H. L. Mencken predicted the situation long ago when he wrote:
All the odds are on the man who is, intrinsically, the most devious and mediocre — the man who can most adeptly disperse the notion that his mind is a virtual vacuum.
The Presidency tends, year by year, to go to such men. As democracy is perfected, the office represents, more and more closely, the inner soul of the people. We move toward a lofty ideal. On some great and glorious day the plain folks of the land will reach their heart’s desire at last, and the White House will be adorned by a downright moron.
But he did not say what should be done to escape the consequence. Several times before the USA have failed at this brink. Surely it is not just a matter of going into hibernation until the next casting of lots. One of these days, patience will fail, and the tin can may no longer be dribbled along the asphalt.
— Kilgore Forelle
