Can Government Be Funny?

Historical reenactors say new rules effectively ban reenactments of battles at state-owned historical sites in Pennsylvania. The Pennsylvania Historical & Museum Commission said it will no longer permit reenactments of “simulated warfare or violence between opposing forces” on sites it controls. Last year, the commission asked the organizers of the annual reenactment of the Battle of Bushy Run, which took place in the colonial era between British troops and American Indians, to cancel it because non-Indians are allowed to play Indians. The reenactment, which has taken place for 40 years, typically draws around 1,500 spectators.

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Can a show of strength be delivered by an infirm man?


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While a recent UN resolution does not force Russia into leaving Ukraine, it signifies an international censure against Moscow's aggression. Belarus, North Korea, Syria, Eritrea, Mali, and Nicaragua all joined Russia in opposing the declaration.

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Can Government Be Funny?

A Democratic lawmaker in Nebraska is being accused of "anti-religious bigotry" by Republicans after she proposed to ban children from attending church youth groups or vacation Bible schools.

State Sen. Megan Hunt says her amendment, which would ban children under 19 years of age from attending a "religious indoctrination camp," is intended to kill the underlying bill, LB 371, a measure put forward by Republicans to ban minors from attending drag performances. The text of the amendment asserts there is a "well-documented history of indoctrination and sexual abuse perpetrated by religious leaders and clergy people upon children."

It is a tongue-in-cheek response to Republicans who have said children should not be exposed to explicit sexual content at drag shows.

It defines a "religious indoctrination camp" as "a camp, vacation Bible study, retreat, lock-in, or convention held by a church, youth group, or religious organization for the purpose of indoctrinating children with a specific set of religious beliefs."

The text mimics the underlying bill, LB 371, which Slama said "keeps kids from attending hyper-sexualized events."

Funny, no?

Is it fair to compare groups where criminality is an accident at the event with one where the debatable behavior is the event's purpose? Is all education indoctrination? 

And how dangerous is self-parody to the very nature of politics, which demands a willing suspension of disbelief?