You Think This Is The Real Quaid?

A Democrat, Republican and Independent walk into a Bar; content to marginalize their own existence to a few letters of the alphabet. They settle in front of The Barman for their escape of choice. They are intent on discussing current affairs; intent on reaching consensus. However, consensus on what is the question?

Predictable claims are made. Claims as regular and everlasting as the dimensions of any basketball court, football field or baseball diamond. "Republicans are crooks and under the spell of a mobster." "Hillary still lost. Stop the Steal."  "The problem is there isn't a viable third party."

 

This goes on incessantly; drink after drink, point after counterpoint, socialism vs. fascism, Liberalism vs. Conservatism, personal freedoms vs. public good, self righteous impartially vs. tribalism. Each of them cocksure in their own ideas and the others' derangement and ulterior motives. Nevertheless, the night ends with only one agreement: their lack of sobriety and empty pockets. Each retreats to their political barracks. They return to the comfort of their self constructed realities. All blind to the simple overarching truth. 

 

What truth you say? The Barman chuckles as he counts receipts. The Barman has sold many escapes. The Barman recalls many variations of this same play; people looking for an alternative, people looking for an answer, people looking for common ground. The Barman laughingly asks, "do you see it, do you see it lurking behind you in the shadows?" Alas, the truth is right in front of you.