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| Krewe of Zulu '82 |
Happy Mardi Gras. I know from experience that the streets of “Nawlins” are jammed with revelers at this hour: frolickin’ on Fat Tuesday bay-b (or darlin’). I can’t help but think of our place at Bayou St. John near City Park and the Museum. It is great to see that Rocky & Carlo's Restaurant & Bar is back providing St. Bernard with traditional cuisine. The last time I saw it was post-Katrina and it had been devastated (as was I looking upon it). But, today is Mardi Gras so reflections on that later.
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| Theatre & Al-bint |
Tonight I’ll be talking to the Albuquerque Archaeological Society at the Museum of Art & History, presenting: “Eat – Pray - Petra: Protecting a World Heritage Site.” With yesterday having been President’s Day, a Federal Holiday that the State of New Mexico doesn’t celebrate, the Presidential primary election season in full-tilt-boogie, and tomorrow (Ash Wednesday) starting lent it seems an appropriate occasion to reflect on government past and present. In earlier Nabataean times Petra was known as Raqmu (the colorful); it was “The Place” for your earthly physical remains to spend eternity, thus a destination for many family pilgrimages to inter their family members. The 4th century BCE (Before Christian/Common Era) started the Hellenistic period to the region. The Greeks of course are famous for experiments in government: most notably Democracy. I also recall that they found it unsustainable (even with banishing every year 10 powerful people for a decade), got rid of it and moved-on; they eventually found the “benevolent dictator” to be most effective. Of course, the “key is in the ‘b’” and finding one that remains benevolent is the challenge isn’t it?
When the Roman Empire cast its net over the Dead & Red Sea area they didn’t march their legions into Raqmu, figuring “if it didn’t work for Alexander why waste our energy. They used economics and re-routed caravans. Eventually they were invited in. Tradition has it that the Roman Emperor Hadrian renamed Raqmu to Petra, adding Hadriana as the 2nd name.
In that respect government in the State of New Mexico follows-suit: the number of buildings and highways named for the living political power brokers is astounding (some while they’re still in office). What many would call corruption, we call “how we do business” (like the ancients, and the old country). “Pay to Play” is not really a new concept. Some will tell you that we don’t celebrate President’s Day here because on odd numbered years the legislature is in session and we are all too busy (while they’re hectically passing feel good memorials, without any weight of law). Therefore we put off the holiday to the Friday after Thanksgiving. Makes sense, but others say it is because we are an ol’ colony that prefers kings & emperors. Quien sabe? But, we all know that traditions die hard.
Along that same vein is the present electoral system in the USA. Much of the modern world knows we have primarily a 2-party system. Sure, there are more parties, but they have limited influence, often relegated to the role of spoiler. The Democratic and Republican parties hold the reigns of power, while keeping their boot on the throat of democracy, and not letting go. Here is how: 40% of the registered electorate is independents. In most states they can NOT vote in primary elections (a few enlightened states allow “open” primaries). Where is the “democracy” in disenfranchising nearly 40% of the voters in the basic process of primary elections? The result has been ever increasing polarization as (D) and (R) candidates move increasingly towards litmus tests away from moderation. We sure could use some “b” about now… and as Thomas Paine wrote: “Common Sense.” Dr. Rudy Becking (Humboldt State Univ.) used to say: “they should call it rare sense.” ALWAYS, enjoy the day amigos/amigas…
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