I've got something unusual to contribute to the Netroots Nation Fundraising Auction this year. For the past 5 years, ever since it was my own special take-home prize from the Boulder County Democratic Party's Annual Truman Dinner (and silent auction) in 2004, I've owned this wonderful item. My friends have admired it and I've displayed it proudly. Now, I enthusiastically launch it into the roiling waters of political memorabilia, confident of its seaworthiness and knowing (actually hoping) that I'll never see its like again. This will impress you.
George W. Bush -- remember that guy? I know, maybe a little too well. If you're like me, you looked around a lot between 2001 and 2009 for a laugh. Maybe it made you feel good to ridicule Bush's utter inability to express himself. Maybe you were amused by the bumper sticker about the village in Texas that was missing its idiot. You kinda chuckled, though it was a sad laugh. A coping mechanism more than anything.
And it was this particular vein of mordant humor that brought George W. Bush's 2004 Horse's Ass Award my way. It is a lovely trophy, with a "gold" rear end of a horse on the top. The inscription reads:
George W Bush -- 2004
First in Deception
First in Imperial Arrogance
Last in the Hearts of Voters Everywhere
We who lived through it certainly understand the agony to which this award refers. And I know I speak for millions when I say I'm really relieved that he can't hurt us anymore.
And I'm not entirely ready to laugh him off as a ghost of the past. I've forgiven Herbert Hoover. I haven't forgiven George W. Bush. I want to see him and all his fellow scumbags brought to justice. That's for sure.
But I am ready to look at this trophy in a new way. Now, to me, it's a souvenier of a chapter of history. It's a reference to a point in time when we were right; they were wrong. And when you look at it, you'll be reminded that deception, arrogance and the trampling of peoples hearts is no Presidential legacy. And that a horse's ass always finishes last.
I'll be uploading a picture of the trophy to the Netroots Nation Auction Fundraiser page. I do hope you'll stop by and show it some love.
