Sledding, Snowmen, Snowballs Needed on Capitol Grounds

That’s why Norton’s rising to the challenge again.

In a statement, she says: “Children across America have endured an extremely challenging year, and D.C. children in particular have not only endured the coronavirus pandemic but now the militarization of their city, with the hostile symbols of fences and barbed wire. Sledding is a simple, childhood thrill. It is the least we can allow for our resilient children this winter season.”

But Norton should go further! She should demand that every member of Congress, and every congressional staff member, be required to ride sleds, build snowmen and throw snowballs - right now! - on the west side of the Capitol.

Way too many of these “leaders” exhibit children’s worst qualities - childishness, poutiness, brattiness. It would do them good to frolic in the snow, relearning and embracing children’s best qualities.

Those qualities are summed up well in Robert Fulghum’s famous essay “All I Really Need to Know I Learned in Kindergarten.”

“Share everything,” he writes.

Politicians must embrace our shared responsibility by debating ideas civilly - by working out agreements as well-mannered adults. Not like they’re doing things now!

“Play fair,” writes Fulghum.

Attempts to destroy or discredit political opponents with hyperbole and unsubstantiated accusations only lather up half the country and alienate the other half. Such cynical dishonesty drives us apart, making it harder to find orderly, sensible solutions.

“Don’t hit people” is another of Fulghum’s insights.

Unfounded cheap shots have to stop. Calling people “Nazis” just because you dislike them or disagree with their ideas does more to discredit this overused label than it does to discredit your targets.

Washington badly needs civility and common sense right now. I say put Norton in charge of the “Sledding to Make Congress Better Committee” immediately.

I told you she was on to something big!

Copyright 2021 Tom Purcell. Tom Purcell, author of "Misadventures of a 1970's Childhood," a humorous memoir available at amazon.com, is a Pittsburgh Tribune-Review humor columnist and is nationally syndicated exclusively by Cagle Cartoons Inc. For info on using this column in your publication or website, contact Sales@cagle.com or call (805) 969-2829. Send comments to Tom at Tom@TomPurcell.com.