The ancient law of unintended consequences is not really new, but it's never been more active than today. Just ask John McCain and Sarah Palin...!
According to this law, once X happens, you can never tell how Y, Z and everything else might follow. In Genesis, X is the appeal of that darn apple...to the Greeks in the Trojan War, it was the beauty of that darn Helen....to the Brits back in 1775, it was that darn Tea Tax on their American colonies....and to the Cub fans, it's been that darn goat they wouldn't let into the park.
Now here come two ironic new ones: (1) John McCain very unintentionally creates Sarah Palin, which might turn out to be the only thing his illustrious life will ever be remembered for (2) Sarah Palin very unintentionally becomes the new litmus test of American politics, because instead of voters being divided over abortion now it may be over Palin.
So I ask the SunTimes -- can you find any laws on the books with intentioned-consequences any more amazing than these unwritten laws of unintended-consequences? Makes you think, maybe life's neither a journey nor a joy. Just a great big casino....
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"Makes you think, maybe life's neither a journey nor a joy. Just a great big casino...."
ReplyDeleteSadly I am beginning to think this more and more...and wondering what happened to the "joy".
"John McCain very unintentionally creates Sarah Palin, which might turn out to be the only thing his illustrious life will ever be remembered for"
ReplyDeleteI'm not a huge McCain fan, but his bravery and service to this country are to be admired. What a sad statement on our society, (and to his career) if the biggest thing he is remembered for is Caribou Barbie!
Well, here's my take on your takes....
ReplyDeleteIn all probability, life is equal parts: journey, joy AND casino. Don't let anyone tell you they understand how those parts mix and work together, cuz nobody really knows for sure. The best we can do is stick to the JOURNEY, appreciating whatever JOYS we meet along the way, but always remembering that in CASINOS the only players who win are the ones smart enough to know when to hold-em'-and-when-to-fold-em. Something it takes a lifetime to learn.....