Dear Uncle Nero and Aunt Statilia,
I know y'all have a lot going on. Hell bent on running the world and all. Still, I want to take a minute to let you know about some things that might be important to you so if you would put down your fiddles I'll get right to it.
Uncle. When I was a kid, what you said was just... it. Seriously. I never questioned it. Never occurred to me because you're Uncle Nero! But as I've gotten older, I've been wondering if maybe being so insulated and so accustomed to the way things are is good for you. It might have dulled some things that ought never be dulled and you've come to some mighty odd points of view. For example, it's pretty inappropriate on every conceivable level that you consider my reproductive processes subject to a popular vote. Why aren't your struggles with unintentional friendly fire subject to the same? Those terrified strangers banging at the gate? Yes, sir. I know some of them are likely sketchy. But we have those sort inside, too. I'll bet (except in places where games of chance are prohibited by law) that if you got back down in the trenches with the great unwashed, we could figure something out. We're resourceful that way. Also, you always taught me to learn from my mistakes. These new people outside looking in? They remind me of those faces on MS St. Louis. Or in Amache. Gila River. Minidoka. Rowher. -- People, including OUR people, looking for help but we failed them because we were afraid. But you seem angry. A lot. And tired. It's like you're too tired to think of anything other than rage. You're letting people who are not right in the head have a bit too much sway with you, just because they are shrill or rich. (Be careful. You know how Uncle Julius regretted his association with that Cassius dude.) And why do you always have to bring religion into it? I know you're devout and I've learned a lot growing up with you.
I wish you would trust me to make good choices from the foundation YOU HELPED BUILD. It's almost like you have such a low opinion of me that you would subvert my very freedoms under the guise of security.
Aunt. You used to be so cool. More and more, you're just like Uncle Nero. Maybe it's age creeping up on both of you. (Not really physical age because great Uncle Bernius is still almost completely awesome.) You seem tired. And every time I disagree with you, you accuse me of having a problem with your plumbing -- we both support indoor plumbing, Aunt. It is just as awesome as outdoor and doesn't suffer from exposure to the elements. I used to look to Uncle as a protector but you, Aunt Statilia, you were a rock star! You never minded my passionate optimism in the past. In fact, you stoked the fires. Now you tell me to settle. That is so NOT cool. I know it won't be easy. I know there will continue to be disappointments. Still, I can't just give up! Maybe you're just worried and don't want me to face all of the struggles you've seen. I hope that's it. Some people are saying it's because you've gotten so comfortable and consolidated your circle of influence enough that you don't really care. That you won't stick your neck out because you believe your legacy is already set. I hope that's not the case. There is still so very much you could do.
Here's the thing. I'm not the only one who feels this way. Everyone is talking. You both have people around you who are attempting to blow sunshine where it would not otherwise reach. You seem to be listening to them and that's a shame because in the end, you'll lose. Money and power are only ever transitory. What you really leave behind is the story of who you are and, unfair or not, it's the ending that people really remember. You might think it doesn't matter. After all, you're already in positions of authority.
And as long as you can subvert free and open elections, that will work out for you.
Signed,
Charlemagne
