Three Kings and Congress

To some, January 6 means the Christmas decorations can be put away. Retailers have traded carols and Frosty & Co. for love songs and romantic tunes as reminders that St. Valentine's Day greeting cards and heart-shaped candy boxes are available.

The 110th Congress has been sworn in. The reading matter on the bedside table was a Christmas present : Niccolo Machiavelli's little book, The Prince. It has been years since this writer attended Political Science 101 and a refresher course is in order. The book is translated from the vernacular Italian by Daniel Donno. It is a Bantam Classic reissue, January 2003.
Readers are warned in no uncertain terms not to copy or transmit in any way the content of any part of the book. Since the admonition is a part of the book, this writer may be in jeopardy! However, Machiavelli's ideas about how to gain political power are as relevant, or more so today, since there have been five hundred years in which to assimilate and to put into practice what Machiavelli makes clear.

Why should you read a book that was written centuries ago? So that you can recognize and reject those who have used Machiavellian tactics to gain or to attain political power.

Janus 2007

Janus an ancient Roman god, identified with doors, gates, and all beginnings, represented artistically with two opposite faces

There is more to be known about Janus than is found in the above definition. His face, looking backward (2006), is old and wrinkled with wisdom and what has been. His face, looking forward (2007), is youthful, handsome in its hope for good beginnings and happy outcomes. It is fitting that our month of January takes its name from him.

As we begin the New Year, let us remember the promise of Janus and his bright optimism. Even though he only exists in Roman mythology, it is pleasant to know his face shines into the future.

Happy New Year!