Slim Randles' Home Country

Balance of power

[June 19, 2010]  Mrs. Doc came down to the truck stop the other day while the world dilemma think tank was in session. We recognized Mrs. Bennett with her, and there were two others in the entourage that swept in. They waved and smiled at all of us and then found a table in the corner.

"Congress," said Doc.

"Congress?"

"Yep. You see, we get together and talk about how things are, how things were and how things should be, right?"

We nodded.

"I'll need something stronger than a nod."

"Amen."

"10-4."

"Roger that."

"That's better," Doc said. "Well, what you're looking at over there at that table is a discussion about how things will be from now on. That's Congress. We, on the other hand, are merely the Supreme Court of Darn Near Everything. And while that sounds important, just stop and think a minute."

We stopped and thought a minute.

"Congress passes laws while the Supreme Court sits around in black bathrobes looking old and important."

"10-4."

"But Doc," said Herb, "the Supreme Court is the final say. They're the ones who go thumbs-up or thumbs-down on the laws Congress passes."

"Yes, Herbert," Doc said, smiling. "But you're forgetting one thing. The Supreme Court only goes into action if someone asks for their opinion."

And then a silence fell across the length and breadth of the philosophy counter as the weight of Doc's words, and the lessons of American history, fell upon us.

Loretta gave us refills just in time.

[Text from file received from Slim Randles]

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