What's Up at the Chemical Plant?

Everyone knows that we humans are walking chemical plants. As children, we recognize that our bodies are growing and as teenagers we can tell really fascinating things are happening. Lost in the beauty of our new bodies, we pay little attention to our heads and the different ways we deal with others. The changes keep right on going until even the most casual observer has to be aware of different management at the factory.

I mention these stunning insights because I have been thinking recently about the roots of partisanship that are afflicting our body politic as probably never before. For years, men whispered that women could never lead well and consistently becasuse of regular problems Mother Nature gave them. The difficulties men experienced were, of course, perfectly acceptable and unworthy of comment. So what if some guys became querulous, predatory and didn't play well with others?

I know what drives Reps. Bachmann, Boehner and Cantor and the assorted people seeking office (though the crop this season includes some of the most absolute nut cases ever seen). It's naked ambition. But what about rich, old men like Sens. Cornyn, McCain, McConnell, etc.? (I literally can't think of Democratic senators who are as repugnant and outspoken.) What hormones are driving them to lie, misinform, bluster and block any move that runs counter to their political beliefs this year? It can't be conviction, surely, no sudden recognition that we're spending a lot of money. Is it possible they're on steroids or is the politics bug like malaria, once bitten it can hide in your bodyand return occasionally forever? I know the power, fawning and perks are fantastic for members of congress, but enough to put party over country and pandering over serious legislation on vital issues? I just can't buy it. Maybe it's the same spotlight fever that keeps performers on stage when they should have retired; I could understand that. Maybe some of them think they really are defending something they personnally believe in deeply, like traditional marriage or anti-abortion laws. That, too, would make sense to me. And maybe it's racism! Now there's a possible resentment buried deep that needs to be camouflaged lest it bite back. I wonder how many Americans just don't want to see a black man in the White House, let alone a handsome, young and fit black man with a beautiful family, good manners, a fine education and intellect who represents the USA well and has an ambitious agenda to move the country forward? Eureka! I've got it!

Hello, Plant? Find a cure and make it snappy!