The descent of man

In the early 1970s, Jacob Bronowski narrated and then authored the highly acclaimed “The Ascent Of Man.” Therein he carefully layered the ascent mankind made from being cave dwellers to the light of today’s modern world.

He notes the epoch-making political stand our forefathers made with our cornerstone Constitution as one of the greatest tests of humanity’s willingness to collaborate and work for the common good. Therein the presidency was established to be working servant for the people’s laws. The holder of that office was ideally the most tempered, tried and true person in the land. Ideally.

Fast forward to now. The office of the presidency has been cruelly kicked aside. The resident therein has established his own realm. The balances of power, so carefully thought out, cast aside. This man is The Tweeter In Chief. He does not negotiate. He threatens. Balanced temperament within him is a void. He is not true to his people, only to himself.

His Secretary of State used the “M Word” to summarize his skills and abilities. And recently, he stood silent as his lap dog, the NRA, creeped out of its den and, with a cordite-laced finger, directed his fellow Republicans how and what to vote upon in matters of gun safety in this country.

Sadly, our republic is no longer governed by its founding principles, but by soulless self-serving agents. Had he still been with us, I suspect Jacob Bronowski would best label these leaders “The Descent Of Man.”

This story was originally published October 25, 2017 at 3:39 PM with the headline "The descent of man."