Promises, Promises

In trying to develop a statement for Security Blanket(?), it came to me this past Thursday night in the exasperated words of Sally Brown, Charlie Brown's baby sister.

At the conclusion of ABC's broadcast of It's The Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown, the second half of the 8 o'clock hour began with You're NOT Elected, Charlie Brown. Considering election day is right around the corner and considerably polarizing this year, I have no doubt this programming maneuver was carefully planned. (And it was, starting in 2006: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/You%27re_Not_Elected,_Charlie_Brown)

But aside from that, if you've never watched this little jewel, here's a general synopsis. Linus is running for class president and Lucy is his campaign manager. Speech after speech Linus promises,
"If I'm elected school body president, I will purge the kingdom! My administration will free us from our spiritual Babylon! Under my administration, I will rid the school of all false idols in high places!" and, "In my administration, children will be children, and adults will be adults!"
Linus wins the election by one vote cast by his opponent who conceded Linus was the better man for the job.

Upon victory, Sally ecstatically escorts Linus to the principal's office to fulfill his promises to the student body. A few minutes later, a sweating and subservient Linus emerges. Sally proclaims, "Well, I hope you told him off." Linus blushes, "Actually, no. As a matter of fact, he told me. "

What Sally says next most accurately describes the sentiments behind this piece. It's intent is not specifically political, but more universal, in that we all, at times, find security, comfort, and hope in empty promises.

"He sold out! We elected him, and he sold out! They're all the same! Promises, promises! You elect them, and they weasel out of their promises!"
---Sally Brown

Security Blanket(?). aluminum chocolate wrappers, glue, tape, staples. 53" x 71". 2010