Zuni Bird

Turning and turning in the widening gyre
The falcon cannot hear the falconer;
Things fall apart; the center cannot hold;
Mere anarchy is loosed upon the world
--The Second Coming, William Butler Yeats

I used to look down on the world for being corrupt,
but now I adore it for the utter magnificence of that corruption
--Richard J. Needham

It's easy to understand why the cat
has eclipsed the dog as America's favorite pet.
People like pets to possess the same qualities they do.
Cats are irresponsible and recognize no authority,
yet are completely dependent on others for their material needs.
Cats cannot be made to do anything useful.
Cats are mean for the fun of it.
--P.J. O'Rourke

_________________

Ranger is confounded as to why Fannie Mae and Freddy Mac are restructuring mortgages for those unable to maintain their payments (Fannie Mae Refinancing Volume Jumps to $41 Billion in February.)

It is regrettable that people lose their homes, but they have been losing homes since day one and nobody cared. It is called Social Darwinism, and sometimes, capitalism. If people take out mortgages that they cannot pay, that is not the taxpayer's concern.

At most, the government should a one-time 6-month grace period for specific emergency situations. No big deal -- cut a homeowner slack if he comes up against unforseen circumstances to allow time to regroup. If they cannot regroup, then allow the mortgage to lapse.

Ranger is a feeling, thinking entity and was raised in a company house in a mining town. He is no fortunate son, and does not remember anyone's concern about coal miners not having homes. One cuts it, or one doesn't.

There are more things at stake here than mortgages. This is really about the soul of America. Are we to be responsible for our individual actions? If the answer is "no," then can we take the next step and expect our government to be responsible for actions taken in our behalf?

The problems of America are being caused by overreach, excessive frivolous consumption, elective wars funded by emergency bills, and a gimme attitude, top-to-bottom.

Ranger is reminded of the Zuni bird described in the old Army. This mythological bird flies in ever-decreasing circles until it disappears up its own asshole.

Our circles are getting disastrously smaller and smaller.