Wars in Iraq aside, there is nothing more amusing than governmental ineptitude on a federal level. Let's make that clear up front. The programming on C-Spans 1 and 2 is testament to that. But just like some off-Broadway shows are worth the trip downtown, so too does small-time politics have its charms.
It's the beauty of democracy, really: Every day, puffed-up, self-important citizens are invited to participate in local government, and every day, these mentally imbalanced people accept the challenge. Whether playing the role of maniacal elected official or just answering the call of duty as an unreasonably concerned citizen, there is a place where you can leave your unique footprint in the annals of "things that won't make much of a difference in the long run anyway."
But if it's simply entertainment you're after, you could do a lot worse than kicking back with a bucket of popcorn at your next city council meeting. With any luck, someone there will be as certifiable as the folks below.
Racist School Board Meeting
Wow, that was a quick fall from grace. One minute the guy's being applauded, the next he's unleashing a stream of racist slurs from here to China (literally). From the context of the video you can't quite pin down exactly what it is he's angry about, but if I had to guess I would say it has something to do about the food in the cafeteria. Apparently, the tandoori chicken served during "Indian Food Day" didn't go over well with this man.
Steve Rocco on Drug Reform
Proof that even in real life the O.C. is a black hole of competency: In 2004, two people ran for the elected office of trustee of the Orange Unified School District Board -- and this guy won. (Presumably, the other guy was either a vampire or, worse, a fiscal liberal.) Somehow, my never having heard about this guy's "death attempts" by the son of Albertson's CEO ("he's dead") is a result of "the drug situation trying to protect their...whatever." Well played, Orange County citizens!
City Council Attack
There's more overacting in this video than in a Spanish soap opera -- from the bloodcurdling screams to the tumble to the floor to the judge's order to "stop that woman from leaving the courtroom!" to the random woman at the bottom of the screen shaking her head for an entire twenty seconds in either extreme disapproval or approval with extreme attitude. How can they get any work done with all this awesome action going on?!
Detroit Shouting Match
If you like your city council meetings tense and rife with the constant threat of physical violence, then Detroit is for you! Featuring verbal gems like "You're not my Daddy!" and "Be respectful -- you may not do that at home, but you're gonna do that up in hea" (along with several not-at-all-veiled references to the giant cartoon monster Shrek), this meeting is like one of those movie scenes that escalates from a simple misunderstanding into an all-out bar fight with random cowboys throwing each other over tables.
Crazy Man at City Council Meeting
Any video that starts off with a rogue helicopter pilot gets my seal of approval. Here are some things we learn: There's no ice in the arena because someone had their hand in the pie, boy scouts get scared easily, this guy may be harboring a "wife" in his basement against her will, the helicopter was right near the magnolia tree, "lemon-headed" is a surprisingly effective curse word when shouted with irrational rage, and you can say the word "pussy" in a North Carolina City Council meeting and they will still politely thank you for coming.