Mayberrry Machievelli

Andy Griffith will receive a presidential award, the Medal of Freedom. One is a little unclear about what Mr. Griffith's credentials are for this award which Wikipedia describes as:

The Presidential Medal of Freedom is one of the two highest civilian awards in the United States, considered the equivalent of the Congressional Gold Medal of Honor. It is designed to recognize individuals who have made "an especially meritorious contribution to the security or national interests of the United States, or to world peace, or to cultural or other significant public or private endeavors."

I guess Andy's 1953 monologue about which included comments on moon pies and cow pies might rank right up there as a cultural achievement. On the other hand, it is much more likely that his achievement is related to national security. After all, Mr. Bush's Whitehouse has been described as a hotbed of Mayberry Machievelli's and Mr. Griffith, along with this guy,
pretty much put Mayberry on the map. Actually, there is quite a resemblence to the REAL Machievelli.

Machiavelli originally wrote Principe (The Prince) (1513) in hopes of securing the favor of the ruling Medici family, and he deliberately made its claims provocative. The Prince is an intensely practical guide to the exercise of raw political power over a Renaissance principality. Allowing for the unpredictable influence of fortune, Machiavelli argued that it is primarily the character or vitality or skill of the individual leader that determines the success of any state.

And therein lies our tale. For I would like to list some things here related to the character and vitality of our leaders:

1. The President is intellectually challanged and has difficulty speaking in full sentences.
2. The Vice President condones torture.
3. A recent Speaker of the House is under indictment.
4. The leader of the Senate is under investigation for fraud.
5. The chief advisor to the Vice President has been indicted.
6. The chief advisor to the President is in danger of being indicted.

I guess the worm always turns.