It is with a sense of history that, on the weekend of the anniversary of the release of the first Star Wars movie in 1977, we note the tenacious grasping at power shown by Speaker Tom Craddick over this weekend – a weekend that is supposed to commemorate what is best about this democracy and to pay tribute to those that fought and died to defend it.
Therefore, it seems strangely apposite to quote from the prologue to the 1978 hardback edition of the novel Star Wars: From the Adventures of Luke Skywalker by George Lucas.
“Like the greatest of trees, able to withstand any external attack, the Republic rotted from within though the danger was not visible from outside.
“Aided and abetted by restless, power-hungry individuals within the government, and the massive organs of commerce, the ambitious Senator Palpatine caused himself to be elected President of the Republic. He promised to reunite the disaffected among the people and restore the remembered glory of the Republic.
“Once secure in office he declared himself emperor, shutting himself away from the populace. Soon he was controlled by the very assistants and boot-lickers he had appointed to high office, and the cries of the people for justice did not reach his ears.”
Good night, and good luck.
This article appears in May 25 • 2007.
