Pride and Arrogance

"If we don't get what we want, I will shut down the government."

   That's the explicit threat made by the president of the United States, pronounced on national television, live from the Oval Office.
   Moreover, he added that he would be "proud" to do it, accepting full  responsibility for a complete shutdown of the U.S. government if he does not get his way.
   The president made this threat while talking to Nancy Pelosi and Chuck Schumer, the leaders of Democratic members of Congress. 
   He also addressed the two senior political leaders by their first names, while they used the term "Mr. President." Whether they deserve the same courtesy is another issue. Respect is one thing, but insisting on deference is another.
   We are, as the founding document of the American republic clearly states, "all created equal." There is also the matter of regularly interrupting others to dominate every conversation.
   But I digress. These are tactics that illustrate the character of the person who uses them.
   It has been long been said that pride goeth before a fall. Whether the amount of pride -- bordering on arrogance -- exhibited by the current president portends an incipient fall from power remains a future event.
   Stay tuned.