Or…everything I needed to know about the Democratic Party I learned from a mother alligator.
In July 2017, I posted an entry on this blog titled, “It’s a Jungle Out There,” in which I compared the 70 year standoff between the United States and North Korea to my relationship with the resident alligator on the creek behind our Florida home. Two stories in this morning’s news suggest there are additional lessons my BRF (best reptile forever) was trying to share with me.
- During a 90 minute conference call, House Speaker Nancy Pelosi strove to reach a consensus among members of the Democratic caucus how to proceed with investigations, and the potential impeachment, of Donald Trump.
- A Bernie Sanders supporter tried to temper the growing enthusiasm for Mayor Pete Buttigieg as he stock rises among the contenders for the Democratic nomination in 2020.
Let’s start with the party’s response to the Mueller Report and the evidence which added to the narrative of Trump’s unfitness for office. Speaker Pelosi is walking a tightrope, attempting to placate those representatives who believe not to impeach is a dereliction of duty and those who think an impeachment without some assurance of bipartisan support will energize Trump’s base. Both positions have merit which makes Pelosi’s task that much more difficult.
That is where mama gator comes in. Last September she had her third pod of offspring. One of the great pleasures of living on Amelia Island is my daily walk with our rescue dog to check out mama and her wards. Last week I counted 11 youngsters who fell into two camps. Some hang very close to their mother even riding on her back as pictured here. Other more adventurous siblings will swim away from the group. That is, until there is any sign of external danger. Two weeks ago, a river otter eyed the youngsters as their potential main course for breakfast. Mama was quick to react and bring all of her progeny back into the fold.
Mama gator might as well have been named Nancy as that is exactly how the House Speaker manages her brood. She allows, and even encourages, some of the bolder newcomers to express themselves. But at the first indication their behavior turns from audacious to dangerous, she reminds them their survival depends on the security she provides.
Which brings me to the story about the Sanders’ supporter. Fox News (who else) tried to rile up Bernie supporters when Buttigieg “compared President Trump’s supporters to those who back Bernie Sanders, stating both groups feel marginalized and want to tear down the system.” (Source: Liam Quinn, Fox News, April 22, 2019) To which, Sanders endorser California Congressman Ro Khana tweeted, “Come on @PeteButtigieg. It is intellectually dishonest to compare Bernie to Trump.”
Last night during a CNN town hall, Buttigieg responded by affirming Trump and Sanders are “stupendously different.” The comparison was not of the candidates, but of their supporters, both of whom were looking to political insurgents who would shake up the establishment. Perhaps Representative Khana missed Sanders, himself, claiming he had the best shot at bringing Trump voters back into the Democratic column as they shared a political disaffection similar to that of those who voted for Sanders in 2016.
Time for mama gator to enlighten us again. Baby gators stay close to their mother for their first two to three years of life. Then the mother pushes her maturing offspring away. Why? Because innate jealously of “the new kids on the creek” are a threat to their recently hatched siblings. The older generation sees the newcomers as nourishment rather than playmates.
This is not intended as an endorsement or rebuke of any of the announced or potential contenders. As mama gator knows so well, the creek is big enough to support multiple generations. Each succeeding generation establishes its own territory which allows the newcomers the same opportunity. Eating your own is not the formula for truly making the creek great again.
FOOTNOTE: I apologize to all the alumni of the University of Florida and its rabid sports fans who thought this post was about their beloved institution.
For what it’s worth.
Dr. ESP