Leave it to the comedians

As I repeatedly say, "leave it to the comedians."   They're the ones who tell the truth, call out the liars, and speak boldly to the powerful.   Shakespeare knew this when he created the wise fool.

There are serious problems in the world -- Will we go over the fiscal cliff?   Will the Republicans cave on tax hikes for the rich?   Will the Syrian rebels prevail, now that we have officially recognized them and can give aid?   Will North Korea's successful long-range rocket launch lead to a new round of tensions from that direction?   Will Netanyahu's intransigence over building more housing for Israelis in Gaza prevent any kind of negotiated peace?  Will the Hamas leader's statement that he will never recognized the existence of the State of Israel prevent any kind of negotiated peace?

But for today, I'm putting those aside in favor of a comedian, Chris Bliss, who has spent the last ten years raising funds for and getting a monument approved by the Arizona legislature to commemorate the Bill of Rights.

This started when Alabama's Chief Justice was defying law by having a monument to the Ten Commandments in the court building.   Bliss thought, rather than fighting over whether it was legal, why not simply put up a monument to the Bill of Rights next to it and -- as he pithily put it -- "Let people comparison shop."

Not a bad idea.   As a blueprint for forming a democracy which would you choose?

"Freedom speech" or "Thou shalt have no other gods before me"?

"Due process of law" or "Thou shalt not take the Lord's name in vain"?

"Public trial by jury" or "Observe the Sabbath day to keep it holy"?

"Right to bear arms" (whatever that means) or "Thou shalt not covet thy neighbor's wife"?

"Protection against unreasonable search" or "Honor thy father and thy mother"?

You get the idea.   There is no question which one is more germane to democracy and the establishment of a government of the people.

One belongs in a place of honor in courthouses and public parks.  The other belongs in religious buildings.

Ralph