November 9, 2020

The frenzy of election day may be behind us, but the turmoil and uncertainty continue: the calm before the storm, if you will.  The reason for that grim assessment is because the Democrats did not win the hearts of roughly half the population. In simple terms, unless they come up with a coherent plan that addresses the needs and concerns of rural Republicans, which are indeed deeply ingrained, the United States risks becoming a failed state.

On the global stage our behavior is viewed as alternating current, unpredictable and unworthy of our oft-claimed position of moral leadership. Incidentally, leadership must be earned; it cannot be imposed. If we attempt to do so we’ll follow the Roman Republic, only without Julius Caesar and Augustus.

One good place to earn leadership attributes would be with the Ogallala Aquifer, currently being depleted at an alarming rate. Indeed, it is difficult to imagine one single issue that could surpass its importance to the eight states that depend on it for dear life. As it happens, with the exception of Colorado and New Mexico, they’re all Republican.

So here’s your chance, Democrats. Come up with a plan to replace the depleted water in the Ogallala region, reassure oil producing states like Texas and North Dakota that something is in the works to replace the revenue that they’ll inevitably lose this century as oil follows coal into oblivion, and you may earn their gratitude and recognition.