Good morning, Netizens...

I must admit I hope Al Franken is as intelligent and on-point as a member of Congress as he was as a comedian. As David Horsey expresses in this morning's cartoon, perhaps he is among his comedic peers, as there are a lot of clowns in the Congress. Despite the accuracy of the two clowns beside Al Franken, I do believe we have a locally-grown despot who qualifies as a clown, a man whose boundaries for sadistic humor knows few boundaries, our very own City Council President, Joe Shogan.

There is almost an element of the unworldly about City Hall these days. However, when it comes to the City Council meetings, Joe Shogan is in charge and rules with an iron gavel. God pity the poor person who dares to speak out on any given topic, especially if Shogan thinks the issue is moot, a done deal and the Council has already reached their conclusions before voting. After all, despite the fact we, the taxpayers, are paying for the numerous fiascos that flow unimpeded from City Hall, we fall short of the Glory of God before the all-powerful presence of the Great Shogun.

There are but a few rules in the new-and-improved City Council meetings. Bow down deeply and knock your head upon the worn carpet of the Council Chambers before speaking, cast not any aspersions in the direction of the dais and above all else, kiss the backside of the Council President before, during and after your presentation. When Joe laughs, everyone must put on their most-joyous faces and laugh with him. To do less may be subject to being ejected from the Council's august presence.

Come to think of it, when I look at the caricatures of the two clowns in this morning's Horsey cartoon, I can almost see the Great Shogun with makeup and a clown's hat.

How many other clowns do we have in City Hall these days?

Dave

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