I just got back from WASHINGTON, D.C., A beautiful city. One that was designed to inspire and instill awe. The system of government it represents is one of mankind's greatest achievements. Even if there are hypocrisies about the country it serves and the people that designed it. The idea, which is what AMERICA is, is still wonderful. An ideal we need to strive for no matter how often we fall short. The laws, the branches are designed to serve the people. Equally. We fail often. But still, it's about the idea. BONO once said, "That's how we see you around the world. As one of the greatest ideas in human history. Right up there with the renaissance. Right up there with crop rotation and The Beatles' 'White Album.' The idea. The American idea." But all of it is only as strong if the system is upheld. And that is only as dependable as those that are tasked with upholding it. When you pick a party and personal loyalty over the system and your country, you've failed us. Interesting times. Our soul, our goodness is in the crosshairs. I'm rooting for us to do the right thing. For all of us. That is all for today, "rantsnraves" tomorrow... Happy Birthday to STUART SCHWADRON, AVNER RONEN, and ERIC ALEXAZNDER.