The Hancock-Henderson Quill, Inc.

Politics and Autumn

By Dessa Rodeffer
Quill Editor/Publisher

18 October 2000

The changes in the autumn season is rotating this month into some of the most gorgeous and spectacular scenery I have witnessed this year.

As the filtered sun peaks in and out of the clouds, its rays dance across the yellow, green, orange, rust, and reds of the trees that surround my home in a kaleidoscope of excitement, and I am in awe of God, the all-time Father of artistry and design.

God's creation of beauty and His amazing palette of colors could no more have come together by chance than an exquisite meal could be served by throwing things together. I have tried throwing things together from leftovers or tried inventing a recipe and each time I had to throw everything out. It wasn't fit to look at or eat. There has to be a plan or a recipe taken from someone with a lot of knowledge if things are to turn out good, let alone spectacular.

As I witness the extreme beauty of the Fall, I am saddened knowing this amazing show case, like an excellent concert, will soon end.

The leaves are falling before my eyes covering the green and brown patches of grass in a blanket effect which has its own beauty. Its charisma entices squirrels, children, and pets to play and birds to sing among its leaves.

This time of year is also the political season. It has its own spectacular array of beauty for those who love this United States, and know what those who serve it means to its well being. People in service can be of all colors, all nationalities in this melting pot we call America, for our forefathers all migrated from foreign soil. The various colors of our people is another testimony of God's amazing palette of design.

And as the sun peaks through the clouds to highlight the fall colors, the press and the public highlight many in service to show their grandeur brought forth from talents God instilled in them.

Servicemen served and died for their country under great political leaders such as Presidents- Washington, Lincoln, Truman and Bush - and many great things were accomplished.

Under great leaders there have been preservations of our national forests and parks, the building of dams and roads, the helping with disasters that hit our communities such as hurricanes, tornadoes, floods, fires, earthquakes, droughts, even disease and personal tragedies such as Columbine.

It takes a great system to work through the problems of our schools, communities, counties and the nation. And while good leaders shelter us from harm, they also push us to succeed. They serve with numerous programs for the weak or those going through tough times such as Public Aid. They provide many programs for those dealing with unfair prices such as government farm programs. They provide safer roads, make laws, and run a justice system in hopes to better this land.

America has become a strong force in the world through its political leaders, and it is because they are backed by its citizens who selected them through our political process. Sure the political arena is colorful, vibrant, and controversial, but by no means is it lukewarm, stagnet or dull. Our country was not made great by leaders who were afraid to raise issues.

Our county effectively reaches out to the nations as an ally and a trade partner, and we have remained a respected and dependable force in the world, not because of one vibrant colored leaf but because of thousands of varieties all with the same goal --to make their American home better.

The political 2-party system is still our best hope. It makes us discuss the issues. It makes us look for the best in the opponents and yes, the worst. But this is necessary in finding the best possible person to serve this nation and to weed out those only interested in power and themselves. We can only be as strong as our weakest link.

We are a spoiled nation, but the beauty of last year's fall can not sustain us. We must have the best this year, too, and we will search for it until we find it. Then we will go to the polls and vote for the best. We have to. For soon we will face the long cold winter, and if we make good choices this Fall, we will have a good spring and a good summer. That is the political process. That is the beauty of the Fall.