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Part I: Political Angel Dancing
During the Middle Ages one of the popular parlor games in Europe was to estimate
how many angels could dance on the point of a needle. Strange as it may seem
today, this question created considerable controversy. One camp firmly held that
since angels were essentially the same size as humans, it was impossible for them
to dance on the point of a needle. The other camp argued that since angels were
infinitesimally small millions could dance on the point of a needle with plenty of
room for heavenly orchestras to provide the music.
This debate raged with emotions rising high resulting in the occasional amateur
philosopher resorting to fisticuffs. Apparently, this was an impassioned topic
which frequently resulted in diatribes, intrigue, character assassinations, and
numerous forms of dirty tricks.
This controversy went on for many years until someone thought it would be a good
idea to measure the angels. Perhaps, they thought, a little empirical evidence
could clear up the angel issue. Since they could not find any angels to measure, it
slowly occurred to them that the question was not worth any further effort to
answer, especially since the underlying question had little or no benefit to society.
Although the angel issue no longer preoccupies the national dialogue, the behavior
it engendered is still alive and well in the political arena. Furthermore, we now
have the tools to extend our discussions through the media beyond our individual
parlors to millions of parlors and other places throughout the country intensifying
the debate. Our contemporary political candidates, philosophers, pundits and
surrogates are quick to employ diatribes, intrigue, character assassinations, and
numerous forms of dirty tricks just like their medieval colleagues. As an
eyewitness to one of the more infamous military coups in the 1970's I find it
amazing that a substantial number of Americans squander their voting franchise on
issues that are as substantive as the number of angels that can dance on the point
of a needle.
For example, when taken to the extreme the argument of one camp is that the
National Government is the root of all evil and should be minimized with the
passion of the crusades. The extreme camp of the opposing group would use the
argument that the National Government is the elixir of all problems so using a
healthy dose will fix anything that ails the body politic.
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