About 10 years ago, as part of an office team building, my department went to visit a goat cheese farm. This farm had maybe around 60 goats and they were something else. They had a separate fenced area just for the goats because they would absolutely destroy anything in their path. There was a dilapidated covered structure with a corrugated metal roof inside their fenced area that they had almost torn to shreds. We had to park our car in another fenced area as we were warned the goats would destroy a car. The farm had two large Great Pyrenees dogs who protected the goats from coyotes, although I couldn’t imagine any animal stupid enough to mess with a goat. The visit was fascinating. We got to milk the goats and there were about a dozen adorable baby goats that romped in a stable. They kept the female babies for their milk and sold the males. Although I’d like to think they went off to loving homes, I think we all know the reality of their futures (hence my avoidance of cabrito).
My goat story has hardly much to do with anything except to say that goat farming is no picnic. These people worked incredibly hard under difficult circumstances.
Yesterday, I saw a video of some senator trying to sound all “folksy” by saying he didn’t drink lattes with goat’s milk, nor did he eat avocado toast. He acted as though this would endear him to his fellow Americans. I just found the whole performance incredibly offensive. I completely respect those goat farmers I met, but I don’t drink lattes with goat’s milk either. I also don’t like avocado toast. For me, toast is a butter delivery system and anything else just doesn’t work. BUT, I don’t make fun of or hate anyone who does like goat’s milk lattes or eats avocado toast. Who gives a rat’s ass if someone likes lattes with goat’s milk or avocado toast??? Why is this a reflection on their character? What on earth was this senator talking about?
And therein lies the problem with politics today. These “actors” are playing a part on some sort of reality television show that they think people are watching. When I watch the news lately, I often feel like I’ve somehow been drawn into watching a monster truck rally or pro wrestling match. And there is nothing wrong with monster truck rallies or wrestling matches, but can someone please explain to me what place they have in our political system? Why is it OK to incite anger and violence in a congressional hearing or a campaign rally? Even pro wrestlers understand that their job is for entertainment. Why don’t politicians understand their job? It is not to be an entertainer! Voters put their trust in you to be a better person than that. They don’t need another reality TV star. Grow up people! Americans are depending on you to unite this country and create meaningful policy. You have one job! Do it!
