Bumpa, put your hearings in. I got a question. It’s serious.
Okay. Just a minute. Now, what’s your question, Elijah?
We’re not supposed to lie, right?
Right. We should always tell the truth. We don’t want be liars.
Why? Everybody’s doing it?
No they’re not, Who’s everybody?
The mean guys!
What mean guys?
The Publicans!
You mean Republicans?
Yea, them. The Publicans.
Where’d you get that, Elijah?
I saw it on Rachel!. We couldn’t watch Simple Songs at daycare!
What did you see?
The Publicans putting little Mexican children in prison. I saw it on TV.
Okay, I see. Anything else?
Yes. Marissa says we don ‘t have to worry about dictators. We shouldn’t have to worry about dictators. Right, Bumpa? What’s a dictator?
Ah, I see. Dictators do whatever they want. They lie and cheat and get away with murder. Their countries don’t have constitutions to check their power. Understand?
We live in America, right?
Well, yes. We live in North America, like Canada, but yes, our country is called The United States of America. Does that make sense?
Bumpa, I’m only 23!
No, you’re not 23. You’re almost two. You’re 23 months, not years. You have 16 more years before you can vote.
That’s not fair! One last question before you clean your hearing aids, and don’t make it complicated.
Okay, shoot. Try me.
You said we don’t have a dictator. Do we really have a constitution?
— Gordon (Bumpa) and Elijah, Chaska, MN, April 27, 2019.
Views from the Edge 
I love his wisdom. May he grow into a time of less fear and mean-ness.
LikeLike
Mona, he’s such a joy. I share your hope for the world around him.
LikeLike
He is so beautiful- and this is frightening and sad and I am in denial/avoidance. Now, more than ever, this can’t be our path, so I’m getting back ‘out there’ as much as I am able.
LikeLike
For everything there is season, Carolyn. A time for joint replacements, a time for rehab, a time to get ‘back out there’, a time do do what we are able. The Book of Common Prayer offers a good meal daily, sort of like manna.
LikeLike
Yes, do we? The “Publicans” are behaving as if we don’t. It’s terrible that Elijah needs to be frightened, but I’m afraid his fear and mine is fully justified
LikeLike
Justification by [being right] alone! Yeah, dat’s da ticket! 😜 All three of us have been justified! This is VERY out of the ordinary. The man needs a straight jacket.
LikeLike
I love this
LikeLike
Thanks, Beth! Hope you have a restful weekend.
LikeLiked by 1 person