“The City of No Consequences”

Last week I visited Washington, D.C. for some meetings. As I flew into Reagan National Airport we took the flight path that brings you over the city from the northwest. Out of my window I was able to take in the magnificent view looking along the National Mall from the Lincoln Memorial to the U.S. Capitol Building. As a retired soldier, it gives me great pride knowing that those symbols of liberty, freedom and democracy were defended by the service, sacrifice, and commitment of our service members.

Then reality sets in as I pondered what this great city has become. Fox News Host Greta Van Susteren once referred to Washington, D.C. as “The City of No Consequences” – and sadly I must concur.

The capital city of our constitutional republic seems to be less of what our founding fathers intended and more of what the “arrogance of officialdom” has created. The difference is that with the advent of the 24 hour news cycle and the ability to tape, record and archive statements, the average American has an unprecedented access to the dealings of their federal elected representatives. Who would have ever thought that a cable station known as C-SPAN would become so very popular – giving the American people a clear window into the everyday actions of their federal representatives in the U.S. House and Senate.

And with the plethora of news media and reporters we are constantly kept apprised of almost every action coming from the White House through every single government agency. The truth is before us all – the question is, why do we accept what we know is abhorrent behavior?

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