From: Kermet Merl Key
Columbus
Fans of the world’s most popular television show, "Game of Thrones," eagerly await it’s return in 2019. The show, set in a fantasy world with knights, dragons and armies of the undead, is best known for its brutal portrayal of politics as powerful families in the country of Westeros vie for control of the Iron Throne and the nation.
There are the Starks, northern lords and fan favorites, best known for their dire warning “Winter is Coming,” a reminder to prepare for the worst. Then there’s the Baratheons, allies of the Starks and the current ruling family, best known for fighting, drinking and womanizing. There’s the Targaryens, the former rulers and dragon lords, that have been reduced to a single living heir. And then there’s the Lannisters, the richest and most powerful family in Westeros, whose words are “Here me roar” but are best known for the saying, “A Lannister always pays their debts.” Each house has their sigil. The Starks are dire wolves, the Baratheons a stag, the Targaryens are dragons, of course, and the Lannisters are lions.
The Lannisters are led by the tyrannical Tywin Lannister, former Hand of the King (sort of a vice president with real responsibility). His daughter, Cersei, married the King Robert Baratheon, but is rumored to be in incestuous affair with her twin brother, Jaime, who may be the true father of her three children. Then there is the black sheep of the family, Tyrion, a drunken dwarf and fan favorite for his sharp tongue and wit. When the rumors of Cersei and Jaime’s affairs tear the kingdom apart and lead to war, Tywin counsels his son Jaime, “A lion doesn’t concern itself with the opinion of sheep.”
In the real world our politics are almost as divisive as those in Westeros, but we are not ruled by powerful families in America. The Bushes, the Clintons, the Kennedys, Waltons, Kochs, and so on, are not noble rulers. Neither are the Pences. But Greg Pence, brother to current hand of the want-to-be king, Mike Pence, seems to think so.
Recently, columnist Brian Howey wrote, “(Greg) Pence, the brother of the vice president, isn’t doing town halls, debates or even media interviews. Apparently he believes the name is as good as a punched ticket.” He does not concern himself with the opinions of voters.
On Jan. 21, 2017, women around the country held the largest demonstration in our history so that they would be heard. Democrat Jeanine Lake has held multiple town halls throughout Indiana’s 6th District. She’s met with voters, not millionaire donors. She wants to amplify our voice, not their power.
Winter is coming. This Nov. 6, take the next step and hold these want-to-be kings accountable.
