eternal vigilance

"Well, I see old Dick is back", said one of the assembled thinkers.
"Yeah, it looks like he, the trailer and the Swedish Suburban all made it back in one piece", said someone else.
"I’ll bet he has a few observations about life in the heartland and in the parallel universe around D.C., maybe a little grist for the old think mill"
A booming voice from the back exclaimed: "before he gets here, let me tell you about Dick and my cousin, Viggie. Dick knew him over fifty years ago. Viggie made quite an impression on him at an early age, but they got out of touch over the years. Like me, Viggie is one of the sentinels of democracy. He resides just down the avenue from me. A short while ago, Dick tried to find him, but was looking in the wrong place. While Dick was in D.C., a couple weeks ago, and down on Constitution Avenue, Viggie sent him a ‘mental telegram’ and drew him right over. For many years Vig has been seated in front of our National Archives, over one of the most profound inscriptions of all...."
The Lady stepped up, and before Padre could finish, said: "ETERNAL VIGILANCE IS THE PRICE OF LIBERTY".
"That is true", replied Padre. "From the beginnings of history, there have been those who produce nothing, but would enslave others to provide it for them. They come disguised in many ways, not the least of which is the corrupt leaders with silver tongues, sometimes in the form of a shining knight on a white steed, or worse yet, an actor playing the part of a great leader. Those who allow their minds to become lazy and allow others to do their thinking for them, who pursue ever greater levels of entertainment, like the circus of the roman days are fair game. The oppressed become the oppressors, power corrupts and all the ‘somebody-wannabees’ flock to become lackeys of the powerful"
"I’ve just been reading about all the vast sums being raised by all the Presidential candidates and I can’t help but think that after sucessfully raising that kind of money, they have already sold their minds to the corporations". Said Todd.
"And their souls to the devil"added Johnny.
"Something else I’ve always wondered about is how in the heck can everybody be somebody" mused Bill.
"Dick is still busy cutting his knapweed crop, but he told me of some of his observations, like McMansions, all menial but essential jobs held by non-english speakers, some rather pleasant experiences with these same people, old friends, some long lost but found in a serendipitous moment, places lost forever and the condition of the rest areas all across America. All this and more", said Elder, "If everyone will please stay tuned"
"And cousin Viggie is coming to visit as soon as the current crisis with the forces of evil has abated", said Padre. "Keep thinking!"