Local opinion: The burger as a symbol of our societal chaos

I wonder if the future of the venerable American hamburger is intertwined with the future of our society as Americans. On one side of this equation is the hamburger. There was a time where it came plain unless you asked for toppings. Over time the switch was flipped so that your burger now comes with a seemingly endless parade of toppings from traditional garnish to a cornucopia of meats, cheeses and more piled high like the leaning tower of Pisa. Eventually the laws of physics, simple math and with luck, a healthy dose of common sense will dictate when there are no further combinations possible and it will be time to ... start over ... and go back to the plain burger. Build from there one item at a time. Meanwhile we all either witness or participate in the crescendo of discord, acrimony and breakdown in our traditional American societal norms. We wonder and worry how bad could things really get? Are we on a straight line pointing upward towards the heavens? Or is this an arc that will reach its apex and then begin a new path back south again toward a return to respect for democratic principles, a sense of responsibility for ourselves and others and commensurate traditional behavior more familiar to us as a unique people ... as Americans?

In my over 30 years in the legal profession I spent my time in a space dedicated to the resolution of conflict. Cases in criminal law balanced a community’s interest in prosecuting defendants against the fundamental interests of ALL of us to the right to be presumed innocent unless proven guilty. Civil disputes including all types of conflict between individuals or businesses for money judgments, return of property or orders of protection. The judicial system was built and designed to be a “place” to resolve these cases and disputes. Despite frustrations or disagreements with court’s decisions the system held its integrity and enjoyed an overall respect for the product. The breakdown in this system really began when political officials, organizations and others began to seek political relief and gain through the court system. Courts were never intended or designed to make “policy” decisions that should be made through traditional political processes, i.e., elections and legislation. It’s time for a refresh.

One way or the other eventually the hamburger will return to the basics, where it began. We will all be better for it. Let’s treat our precious country and the democratic principles upon which it is based as if our lives depended on it. By opening our eyes. And going back to the basics. Respect yourself. Treat others as you would have them treat you. It’s the American way. It’s even in our Constitution. It’s way better than any burger.