I have spent a lot of time in the political present as the Halloween season looms near. The charged atmosphere as taken it's toll on me. I was so tired. It was time to rest. I will just close my eyes for awhile....

Suddenly the 'ghost' of the Political Past appeared in my bedroom. He took me back in time to visit with the political greats in American history. Here's who I visited with as I went along with the Ghost of Political Past.

• George Washington - "Father of our nation"
• Thomas Jefferson - A brilliant mind ahead of his time!
• Abraham Lincoln - Leadership at it finest during an ugly civil war

George Washington served as the colonial commander-in-chief from 1775 through 1783. This political great stood before the masses as I listened to these words. I will paraphrase them as I do not recall them word for word.

Mr. Washington told us that government was not reason or eloquence, but force with fire! Government is a troublesome servant and a fearful Master. He also added that it should never be left, even for a moment, to irresponsible action. Wow! I was mesmerized by his strong words. I thought of all the irresponsible actions of the US Government, today!

I wonder why the Ghost of Political past brought me to this scene? It is puzzling to me. As I was pondering the words of George Washington, we suddenly appeared at the study of one, Thomas Jefferson. He was quietly contemplating. He was just sitting there in the sitting room of his home, staring at the ceiling as if he were star gazing.

He suddenly stopped and wrote these words: "One travels more usefully when alone, because he reflects more." A few seconds later we were suddenly in Springfield, Illinois, listening to the Republican canditate for senate speaking to a group of faithful followers.

The speaker's name and his speech is very famous. It was June 16, 1858 and soon-to-be President of the United States, Abraham Lincoln, was telling us that a house divided could not stand. I was so impressed with those words. The atmosphere of that day was charged with the issue of slavery. Some states openly allowed and encouraged it, while other states in the North allowed Negroes to live free alongside everyone else.

This nation was tumbling towards a terrible conflict that would pit brother against brother. That speech launched Abraham Lincoln into being the next President of the United States.

Suddenly, the Ghost of the Political past had me back in my own bedroom. I was left to my own thoughts as to what the visits meant for me. George, Thomas, and Abe seemed much more real to me now. I now stare at the ceiling as if I were star-gazing!

The upcoming Halloween season had me rethinking the costume choices that I would consider. I could go as the father of our country, or the elegant Thomas Jefferson. I could even put on a tall topper of a black hat and go as Abe Lincoln.

I have noticed that a much more calm political feeling as I contemplated these past presidents! I wonder if a Halloween political party that featured the likes of George and Martha wouldn't be a nice change of pace that I needed.

Just a few historical thoughts of this ole cowboy.