"My dog can bark like a congressman, fetch like an aide, beg like a press secretary and play dead like a receptionist when the phone rings"
- Gerald B. H. Solomon
About this Quote
This quote by Gerald B. H. Solomon is an entertaining contrast in between the behavior of a pet and the stereotyped habits of politicians as well as government authorities. By claiming that his pet can bark like a congressman, he is recommending that political leaders typically make a great deal of sound without truly stating anything considerable. The comparison to an aide that can bring indicates that political leaders depend greatly on their team to do much of the benefit them. By stating that the dog can ask like a press secretary, he is suggesting that politicians typically utilize psychological manipulation to obtain what they want. Lastly, the comparison to a receptionist playing dead when the phone rings implies that government authorities typically shy away from taking obligation or activity when confronted with difficult decisions.
"It is paradoxical that many educators and parents still differentiate between a time for learning and a time for play without seeing the vital connection between them"