Over on a social network of which I am a member there was an exchange that is emblematic of where we are as a society today.  We have lost the ability to hear what each other is saying because of the hyper-partisanship.  With all the stereotyping done by each side, we have removed any individuality from our convesations to such an extent we can no longer converse.  I make my own stereotypes, Zom-Bushes are my favorites.  I not pure in any sense, but I hope I have not gone this far.  Let me share the exchange.

{Disclaimer:  Obviously this is but a segment of the exchange.  I have not spoken to the posters to get their agreement to share this, but I think it speaks volumes about my point.  These were responses to a statement ridiculing the Republicans for suggesting tax cuts as the cure to everything.}

My God!  We really have no way to make our own spin, do we?  How pathetic are we that we sat idly by as the MSM made a BIG STINK out of how Michelle Obama touched the queen. 

Egad!!!  Touched her you say?!?  That is totally inappropriate!!!

We just sat there and ate that all up, didn't we?  Was that reporter right, race is still an issue? Was she supposed to be wearing gloves so her skin did not contact anyone?  Why are we simply referring to her as Michelle anyway?  This was a regal event and the moment beffited royalty!  It was quite noble, IMHO.

If I was to write something about that moment, I might say this, "Queen Embraces First Lady!"  Celebrate this moment!  Royalty seldom reaches out to anyone but the First Lady of the United States was granted a royal hug.  The royal embrace was bestowed upon her.  There is no precedent whatsoever for this kind of intimacy with the Royal Family, unless you are remembering Diana.  This was a unique moment that no previous First Lady has ever achieved, receiving the royal arm around her torso as far as Her Majesty could reach! 

We sit here talking about what Michelle did like it was an assault, like the Queen was somehow victimized.  The Queen reached out to Michelle, whether it was initiated by one woman or the other, they shared a tender moment as two human beings enjoying the company of each other.  Michelle touched the Queen!!!  STFU, already.  We had achieved peace in our time and now that moment has been ruined.  Who are these people creating scandal out of intimacy and why DO we listen to them?

President Obama made a promise.  Okay, I cannot recall on what program the question was posed. Maybe it was Leno.  But the question was asked and my interest has been keen about the issue, so I feel confident I can quote Obama exactly as he said it.  Obama gave a date for this to be all wrapped up and the appointment in place.  So where is the gosh darned dog?!?  Enough about his wife's dresses and who she's been seen with in friendly embrace.  What about the dog already? 

What Obama said, as I recall but cannot confirm, was that he was going to Europe and when he came back "the dog would be in place."  It was a definitive statement.  It was a declaration.  He did not say I hope we would have a dog by then, at the latest.  Obama said, "the dog would be in place."  

It seemed too good to be true.  I thought, there's no way the Republicans are going to stand for this.  We're going to get another threat of World War III if Obama thinks he can just put any old dog in the White House without their having something to say about it on every news network that has the patience to put up with their sniveling.  They have not even decided what breed the dog would be, never mind have a particular dog in mind.  Having a dog in the White House that soon? Unbelievable!

Mr. President, you have been in office more then two months and this country has been without a First Dog.  This is a time of crisis and people need comfort, a little tenderness, and perhaps a few sloppy kisses.  America needs to know where they can go for unconditional love.  There is no dog and we, the American people, will never be able to recover without one.  Get the dog already!!!  Everything is better when one is in the company of a good dog.  Hell, everything is better when in the company of a bad dog too, sometimes.  I mean, if I had a rough day because my boss yelled at me, coming home to see my wife scolding the dog puts it all in perspective.  And the dog usually tells me just what I need to do at work the next day.  Jam my nose up their ass and wag my tail like nothing happened.  Job security is everything in these times. 

Today I was expecting a ceremony on the White House lawn with the dog being trotted out all clean and lively.  Instead, I have been disappointed.  You said it would be "in place".  President Obama, get the dog already!  Your country needs this!