As we reflected on what to write for our 22 Days posting, the word Catch-22 came to mind. We use the term and we thought it would be nice to fully understand the meaning and where it came from so we went to the internet to learn more about it. Don’t you just love the internet?

Catch-22 originated from a book by the same title. Written in 1961, it was a parody about WWII and was considered a catalyst for the anti-war movement in America. A movie was produced nine years later as a dark comedy/military satire and the movie was a success at the box office.

The main character in the story is a pilot who desperately wants to get out of the military. Similar to the MASH story line, if he was found “crazy” he could be sent back home. The catch was this special military rule…in the author’s own words:

“There was only one catch and that was Catch-22, which specified that a concern for one's safety in the face of dangers that were real and immediate was the process of a rational mind. Orr was crazy and could be grounded. All he had to do was ask; and as soon as he did, he would no longer be crazy and would have to fly more missions. Orr would be crazy to fly more missions and sane if he didn't, but if he was sane he had to fly them. If he flew them he was crazy and didn't have to; but if he didn't want to he was sane and had to.”

Ah ha!! That takes us to March 20, 2010, when the Democrats rammed through the Healthcare Bill. I was there on the Hill with 50,000 other Americans chanting “Kill the Bill” and going from office to office trying to convince our House members to vote No. They avoided talking to us because they were in a Catch-22!!

If they voted No, they would be hammered by their peers on their side of the aisle. They might not be invited to a cocktail party or be asked to join the others in the House dining room. How awful that would have been for them.

If they voted Yes, they would be hammered by their constituents back home. That was easier to deal with because they could just stay in Washington and not answer calls or be available for appointments with their constituents.

What would have made the difference in the movie and in real life on March 20th --

“Principled Leadership”

When the main character in the book enlisted in the military, he knew he would be shot at. Then, when it actually happened, he didn’t like that one bit and he wanted out.

When the House members were elected to represent the will of the people, they caved when the "bullets" came from their peers.

Neither the character in the book or those who voted for the healthcare bill were principled leaders.

They were weak and they did not belong in their jobs because they did not have the courage to do the right thing.

Let us Remember in November how this Congress completely ignored the will of the people and let’s do something about it on November 2. You can do that by voting for Principled Leaders to take their place.

Some action items for today:

1. GIVE THANKS: It’s Sunday so spend some time in thanks for this great country we live it. It’s great because we have the opportunity to vote for our leaders and vote them out too!

2. WRITE A NOTE: Do you know someone who is a principled leader? If so, drop them a note and let them know you appreciate them. Even leaders need a pat on the back every now and then.

3. SIGN THE PETITION: If you haven’t taken time to sign the Petition to Stop the Tax Hikes, please do so today. You can find it at www.libertycentral.org.