Politico has this story today.
I am of two minds regarding this issue.
First, I think it is a shrewd move on Mr. Obama's part, to use the influence of his perks to help him lead. He has made several mis-steps in his first month+ in office, but this might not necessarily be one. Leading a divided nation requires the ability to both aggressive and alluring. I think this may work as his attempt to lure opponents.
Second, I think this could back-fire unless it is done with razor-like percision. Too many pictures of the leaders of Washington at parties during a recession, and with the headlines of Drudge making more and more people think about robbing a bank or hiding under a rock could be disaster. It is one thing to project confidence in the nation...it is something else to tell the people to eat cake, which could be the interpretation of too many parties in Washington as millions lose jobs and stimlus packages are discussed while the stock market bleeds out.
So we'll see...I think he is trying to thread a very dangerous needle. Not impossible, but incredibly dangerous.
Showing posts with label Politics. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Politics. Show all posts
Tuesday, February 10, 2009
Wednesday, January 28, 2009
Some of My Better Thoughts
I was recently having a discussion online with some other regular commentators on the agenda of the new administration. The main proponent of the ideas I was challenging had suggested frequently that Liberals, and the Obama administration in particular are dangerous, even objectively evil, synonymous with the Nazis and Gestapo (their choice of words). While responding to this person, I articulated some thoughts that have been on my heart and mind for the past few weeks as power has shifted in our nation, and people are digesting exactly what it means to them and to the country as a whole. I read my thoughts to my wife, as I so often do (poor woman...if I was one to worry about purgatory, I would be convinced she would be all taken care of...) and she suggested that I should post these thoughts to my blog.
Thus, here are my thoughts on the fundamental difference between Liberals and Conservatives, and the way forward.
I cannot really accept this understanding of the "enemy" as accurate, unfortunately. I will agree that within the Liberal ideology there are radically anti-Christian voices. However, I do not accept your suggestion that to be liberal at all is to be part of a false religion, or that it makes you an enemy of God and the Church, or the heirs of the Nazi legacy. That is simply a lie.
The key to understanding Liberals, IMHO, is to understand that they allow for the Christian haters. But then, they allow for pretty much anything. I do not find all of their arguments for the equal treatment of all ideas reasonable, or convincing. However, and I cannot stress this enough, I do think it is important that we Christian Conservatives stop shadow boxing and engage in the reality of the situation. There is no reason to put ourselves at violent odds with all of Liberalism because Liberalism allows for evil voices and thoughts. Liberal ideology is more than one long move against the Church and Christ. Strategically, the sooner we grasp this, the sooner we can avoid marginalizing ourselves out of the great debate. America is not Israel of the Old Testament. We are a gentile nation in the age of the church. Our government, though founded on distinctly Christian values, is not a Christian organization, and there's nothing wrong with asserting or recognizing that fact.
Liberals disagree with Conservatives about one very central issue; the role of the government in our lives. Within that disagreement there is room for all sorts of sub-arguments. I believe the mistake that is being made by the statements above is they confuse sub-arguments for the ideology itself.
Conservatives argue that Liberals want a government so large it removes the freedom of the individual under the auspices of protecting individuals from other, stronger individuals, while allowing those same individuals to be morally whatever they individually deem worthwhile. Liberals argue that Conservatives remove all protection from the state, thus allowing individuals to be tyrannical, and that hypocritically we want no government interference except in areas of personal morality.
Both sides have merit, which is why neither side has disappeared, even after losing major elections in the past few decades. This Republic, if it will continue to prosper, must see the two sides find a peaceful middle ground...which means compromise on both sides. Neither side will ever be completely satisfied...but such is the nature of a government of the people. I cannot get a room of 18 thirteen year olds to co-operate and agree...what hope is there of getting unified consensus amongst 300 million? So we have to be content with compromise, and stop trying to paint each other as demons or puritanical Salem Witch Hunters.
Thus, here are my thoughts on the fundamental difference between Liberals and Conservatives, and the way forward.
I cannot really accept this understanding of the "enemy" as accurate, unfortunately. I will agree that within the Liberal ideology there are radically anti-Christian voices. However, I do not accept your suggestion that to be liberal at all is to be part of a false religion, or that it makes you an enemy of God and the Church, or the heirs of the Nazi legacy. That is simply a lie.
The key to understanding Liberals, IMHO, is to understand that they allow for the Christian haters. But then, they allow for pretty much anything. I do not find all of their arguments for the equal treatment of all ideas reasonable, or convincing. However, and I cannot stress this enough, I do think it is important that we Christian Conservatives stop shadow boxing and engage in the reality of the situation. There is no reason to put ourselves at violent odds with all of Liberalism because Liberalism allows for evil voices and thoughts. Liberal ideology is more than one long move against the Church and Christ. Strategically, the sooner we grasp this, the sooner we can avoid marginalizing ourselves out of the great debate. America is not Israel of the Old Testament. We are a gentile nation in the age of the church. Our government, though founded on distinctly Christian values, is not a Christian organization, and there's nothing wrong with asserting or recognizing that fact.
Liberals disagree with Conservatives about one very central issue; the role of the government in our lives. Within that disagreement there is room for all sorts of sub-arguments. I believe the mistake that is being made by the statements above is they confuse sub-arguments for the ideology itself.
Conservatives argue that Liberals want a government so large it removes the freedom of the individual under the auspices of protecting individuals from other, stronger individuals, while allowing those same individuals to be morally whatever they individually deem worthwhile. Liberals argue that Conservatives remove all protection from the state, thus allowing individuals to be tyrannical, and that hypocritically we want no government interference except in areas of personal morality.
Both sides have merit, which is why neither side has disappeared, even after losing major elections in the past few decades. This Republic, if it will continue to prosper, must see the two sides find a peaceful middle ground...which means compromise on both sides. Neither side will ever be completely satisfied...but such is the nature of a government of the people. I cannot get a room of 18 thirteen year olds to co-operate and agree...what hope is there of getting unified consensus amongst 300 million? So we have to be content with compromise, and stop trying to paint each other as demons or puritanical Salem Witch Hunters.
Saturday, January 24, 2009
President Obama: Be Our Themistocles!
In the wake of their staggering victory at Marathon in 490 B.C. (the Athenians traded roughly 200 lives for Persian casualties somewhere in the vicinity of 6500) the Greek world was afforded a rare reprieve from war, and for a decade they had the opportunity to prepare themselves for the might of the Persian hammer that they knew was coming.
During this time of relative peace, Athens also discovered a rich vein of silver, and had to decide how to use the wealth. Since the fortune was discovered by the city, and since the city was ruled by Democracy, the money belonged to the people. Of course, there were many who wanted the profits of the find to be distributed amongst the people; after all, who wouldn't want more money in their pockets?
However, the new leader of the democratic party of Athens, Themistocles, suggested something very different. He insisted that the money be used to fund the building of triremes, ships of war, keeping in mind the reality that the Persians would return, and with a far larger army this time than they had brought to Marathon.
In order to see his plan implimented in the absolute democracy of Athens, Themistocles had to convince the majority of the populace that it was better the deny themselves wealth, to work for the future while sacrificing today. His success, apart from the positive results on the behalf of the Greeks in 480 B.C. at Salamis, is also a testament to the importance of a leader with vision.
President Obama has amazing potential. I disagree with much of his social agenda...or at least, what I fear his social agenda will turn out to be. But the reality is, he has a unique opportunity. He could be one of the greats of all time. Never is the potential for greatness so real as in times of trial and challenge. We are experiencing difficult times...not the least of which in the area of our economy. Most of us don't even really know what we want to see happen to solve this problem...we just know something MUST happen. Should we have a bail-out? Should we give the money to the people, the banks, to corporations? How do we avoid deepening the crisis? How do we pull ourselves out of the mire? How do we get back on top?
President Obama must lead. He must give us a vision that will provide for more than merely tomorrow, but that will ensure our success (or at least the best chance for it) in the net decade, and the decades after that.
Themistocles was right. His arguments contributed to Greek victory over Persia, which allowed for the Golden Age of Greece...which produced some of the greatest art, philosophy, drama, and culture ever. Invest in what will preserve our future rather than what will keep us in comfort today.
During this time of relative peace, Athens also discovered a rich vein of silver, and had to decide how to use the wealth. Since the fortune was discovered by the city, and since the city was ruled by Democracy, the money belonged to the people. Of course, there were many who wanted the profits of the find to be distributed amongst the people; after all, who wouldn't want more money in their pockets?
However, the new leader of the democratic party of Athens, Themistocles, suggested something very different. He insisted that the money be used to fund the building of triremes, ships of war, keeping in mind the reality that the Persians would return, and with a far larger army this time than they had brought to Marathon.
In order to see his plan implimented in the absolute democracy of Athens, Themistocles had to convince the majority of the populace that it was better the deny themselves wealth, to work for the future while sacrificing today. His success, apart from the positive results on the behalf of the Greeks in 480 B.C. at Salamis, is also a testament to the importance of a leader with vision.
President Obama has amazing potential. I disagree with much of his social agenda...or at least, what I fear his social agenda will turn out to be. But the reality is, he has a unique opportunity. He could be one of the greats of all time. Never is the potential for greatness so real as in times of trial and challenge. We are experiencing difficult times...not the least of which in the area of our economy. Most of us don't even really know what we want to see happen to solve this problem...we just know something MUST happen. Should we have a bail-out? Should we give the money to the people, the banks, to corporations? How do we avoid deepening the crisis? How do we pull ourselves out of the mire? How do we get back on top?
President Obama must lead. He must give us a vision that will provide for more than merely tomorrow, but that will ensure our success (or at least the best chance for it) in the net decade, and the decades after that.
Themistocles was right. His arguments contributed to Greek victory over Persia, which allowed for the Golden Age of Greece...which produced some of the greatest art, philosophy, drama, and culture ever. Invest in what will preserve our future rather than what will keep us in comfort today.
Tuesday, January 20, 2009
Gas Bag
Memo to Chris "Verbal Flatulance" Matthews:
The election is over. Have some respect for a man that served his nation for 8 years and stop trying to be clever by mocking President Bush. Your politician of choice carried the day (in an election against someone entirely different from the out-going President) and has called for an era where partisanship is cast aside in favor of a united nation. The fact that you insist on mocking those people who still support Bush, who still favor his policies, and for mocking the man himself as you blithly cover the inauguation of President Obama only reflects how very little the division of the nation had anything to do with President Bush.
You're probably too distracted by the thrills Mr. Obama delivers to your nervous system to listen to what he's been saying...
The election is over. Have some respect for a man that served his nation for 8 years and stop trying to be clever by mocking President Bush. Your politician of choice carried the day (in an election against someone entirely different from the out-going President) and has called for an era where partisanship is cast aside in favor of a united nation. The fact that you insist on mocking those people who still support Bush, who still favor his policies, and for mocking the man himself as you blithly cover the inauguation of President Obama only reflects how very little the division of the nation had anything to do with President Bush.
You're probably too distracted by the thrills Mr. Obama delivers to your nervous system to listen to what he's been saying...
=
Inauguration 2009
We have a new President.Today is a day of some significance, as evident from the massive amount of press and attention, spanning the world, that is being paid to the official proceedings of our government.
Today is a good day, and we should all be celebrating our citizenship, and the government that has stood the test of time and the transfer of power, to thrive today as it ever has.
Pray for our new President, pray for our nation.
I have to admit...I hope that he succeeds. That sounds odd, as if it were a guilty pleasure. Let me put it this way: I am willing even to hope I am wrong and that he is right, with regard to his social and political agenda. I cannot hope to be persuaded that his moral ambivalence with regard to the unborn, but I can hope that in a matter as trivial as our economy or our national defense that he is more successful than I believed he would be at the time of the election.
I hope we manage to move past mere partisan politics and strive as a nation to be something more than merely prosperous (although, of course, I do hope we're prosperous). I hope we can live up to our great aspirations on this historic day. It gives me joy to recognize that the full reality of today is itself a culmination of the ambition and ideals of our nation and government.
It is tempting to hope that the world will actually receed from the brink as the result of one man. Certainly the media would have us believe it will be enough...I cannot believe our problems will cease, but I do hope and pray that under his leadership we will see positive progress on some of the fronts that currently trouble us.
I must also say that the sight of the hope this man inspires is, well, inspiring. I am optimistic as a result of the radical enthusiasm of those in the midst of the celebrations, much more from that than from the highest rhetoric; let us pray that this renewed sense of opportunity and potential sows a great harvest. I am not sure why so many have lost faith in their Republic; I do not believe that much has changed in any way so significantly that it warrants the doubt and fear that has plagued the news for so long, but let that be as it may; let us revive the belief that a nation centered the defense and perservation of God-given rights will prosper and flourish; let us show the world what liberty accomplishes in the City of Man.
God save the President of the United States and may God be gracious to our nation.
Tuesday, January 06, 2009
Count Every Vote...For ME...
Al Franken is a one of those smarmy pseudo-smarties that really bugs me.
I'll be up front about that. I generally find the way he presents his arguments to be offensive and deliberately demeaning to those he opposes. He uses the excuse of being a comedian to pardon him for when he is truly repulsive. It is fitting that he was the premier face of Air America, the home of the offensively dismissive liberal talk-show hosts; he set the tone for a group of people who have done their best to ensure that, in the national debate for the future of our nation, one side of the debate is perceived as completely preposterous. The Left has managed, with the help of people like Franken and his ilk, to paint the Right as so ridiculously criminal, stupid, superstitious, greedy, etc, that I find it hard to see how we can hope to have a civil discourse in the high halls of leadership.
I say all that, fully recognizing that the Republicans have done their level best to fail the nation too. We have our gas bags, our own versions of Franken. Our vices are different, but they do exist.
However...the hypocrisy of a man who spent most of the last 8 years whining about a "stolen" election, whose campaign mantra was that every vote be counted so that every vote would count, and now who wants to see the very questionable recount stand and to push through his own personal victory amidst controversy at least comparable to the circumstances of 8 years ago...well, if he turns out to be the next Democrat Senator, all I can say is that the outlook just got a little dimmer for reasonable debate in our nation.
Democrats should denounce Franken's pre-emptive claims to victory. If they really believed all the crap they spewed over Bush's victory in 2000, they should insist on a better process and a slow, meticulous recount, with real accountability. But they won't...because it's always been a political game.
I'll be up front about that. I generally find the way he presents his arguments to be offensive and deliberately demeaning to those he opposes. He uses the excuse of being a comedian to pardon him for when he is truly repulsive. It is fitting that he was the premier face of Air America, the home of the offensively dismissive liberal talk-show hosts; he set the tone for a group of people who have done their best to ensure that, in the national debate for the future of our nation, one side of the debate is perceived as completely preposterous. The Left has managed, with the help of people like Franken and his ilk, to paint the Right as so ridiculously criminal, stupid, superstitious, greedy, etc, that I find it hard to see how we can hope to have a civil discourse in the high halls of leadership.
I say all that, fully recognizing that the Republicans have done their level best to fail the nation too. We have our gas bags, our own versions of Franken. Our vices are different, but they do exist.
However...the hypocrisy of a man who spent most of the last 8 years whining about a "stolen" election, whose campaign mantra was that every vote be counted so that every vote would count, and now who wants to see the very questionable recount stand and to push through his own personal victory amidst controversy at least comparable to the circumstances of 8 years ago...well, if he turns out to be the next Democrat Senator, all I can say is that the outlook just got a little dimmer for reasonable debate in our nation.
Democrats should denounce Franken's pre-emptive claims to victory. If they really believed all the crap they spewed over Bush's victory in 2000, they should insist on a better process and a slow, meticulous recount, with real accountability. But they won't...because it's always been a political game.
Wednesday, December 31, 2008
Tuesday, December 23, 2008
The Widsom of the Papacy
Though I am not a Catholic, I have watched with interest over the years as the Catholic church has wrestled with its identity as the original church; as a disclaimer, I must acknowledge that I am an Evangelical Protestant, and my perspective is thus somewhat tainted on this subject. While Church authority matters to me, I approach the question from a completely different frame of reference, and so choose to recuse myself from discussions on the internal handling of institutions such as the Anglican church, the Catholic church, etc, for the simple fact that I am not helpful as I do not accept some of the given basic principles for the discussion. However, when the leadership of the "High" church addresses the world at large, everything is fair game.
That said, bravo to the Pope.
He has, of course, spoken on this issue before. What has remained consistent in his challenge is the argument that man is certainly not less important than any other part of creation, and as such, deserves the same (if not more) efforts to protect it and see it thrive according to what is natural. In a world filled with environmentalists, and amidst the growing concerns about how we are thwarting what is natural for the planet, this tactic seems particularly well aimed.
As usual, the recoil from the Gay/Lesbian advocates is disproportional to the offense.
Did the Pope say that we should fear homosexuals? No.
Did the Pope suggest that we should hate homosexuals, or that the church or Christ hates homosexuals? No.
What did the Pope do to earn him the scorn and derision of Gays, Lesbians, and their advocates? He had the audacity to suggest that homosexuality is not the natural or best manifestation of human relations.
For the opponents of Prop 8 et al, to suggest that homosexuality is not good is to support hate, more than that, to in fact BE a hatemonger. Instead of being open to consider the possibility that we can believe that homosexuals deserve respect and equal social rights and protection under the law but still also believe that homosexuality is not actually a good thing, and that practicing homosexuality is a sin, we are presented with an unfortunate dilemma; give them unqualified approval, or be branded ignorant, fearful, bigots.
Discussion is important, and encouraging when people are willing to engage rather than merely rant. At the end of the day, it is also important to realize that Christians cannot condone Homosexuality as a natural good that produces what is best for man. The Pope reminded us of that reality, and through his words continues to be a wise leader for the church and Christians around the world, Catholic or otherwise.
As we reflect on the meaning of Christmas, in the midst of these difficult and heated discussions, the whole message of the Papacy is so vital: that God created us for a real and definite good, and we are not free to redefine that as we see fit. The same arguments we makes for the conservation of the planet and the protection of nature for the sake of God's other creations challenge us to pause before we attempt to reorder the natural world for our own purposes. There is love in this message; it may be difficult for those that struggle with homosexuality, but in some ways no less difficult than the struggle of those us heterosexuals who struggle against the desires of our appetites to have relations outside of marriage, the only appropriate place for the out-working of those appetites. Christ understood that...yet still He came to redeem us and offers us the grace and strength we need to overcome our inordinate desires.
He came to us, and brought redemption with Him. Recognizing our need for His salvation is the first step to receive the forgiveness He offers. It is not out of hate that sinners are called to repent; the call goes out to us all, so that all might be saved. This is the heart of Christmas, and the very soul of the Gospel.
That all might be saved.
Good Christian men rejoice! Christ is born today, Christ is born today!
That said, bravo to the Pope.
He has, of course, spoken on this issue before. What has remained consistent in his challenge is the argument that man is certainly not less important than any other part of creation, and as such, deserves the same (if not more) efforts to protect it and see it thrive according to what is natural. In a world filled with environmentalists, and amidst the growing concerns about how we are thwarting what is natural for the planet, this tactic seems particularly well aimed.
As usual, the recoil from the Gay/Lesbian advocates is disproportional to the offense.
Did the Pope say that we should fear homosexuals? No.
Did the Pope suggest that we should hate homosexuals, or that the church or Christ hates homosexuals? No.
What did the Pope do to earn him the scorn and derision of Gays, Lesbians, and their advocates? He had the audacity to suggest that homosexuality is not the natural or best manifestation of human relations.
For the opponents of Prop 8 et al, to suggest that homosexuality is not good is to support hate, more than that, to in fact BE a hatemonger. Instead of being open to consider the possibility that we can believe that homosexuals deserve respect and equal social rights and protection under the law but still also believe that homosexuality is not actually a good thing, and that practicing homosexuality is a sin, we are presented with an unfortunate dilemma; give them unqualified approval, or be branded ignorant, fearful, bigots.
Discussion is important, and encouraging when people are willing to engage rather than merely rant. At the end of the day, it is also important to realize that Christians cannot condone Homosexuality as a natural good that produces what is best for man. The Pope reminded us of that reality, and through his words continues to be a wise leader for the church and Christians around the world, Catholic or otherwise.
As we reflect on the meaning of Christmas, in the midst of these difficult and heated discussions, the whole message of the Papacy is so vital: that God created us for a real and definite good, and we are not free to redefine that as we see fit. The same arguments we makes for the conservation of the planet and the protection of nature for the sake of God's other creations challenge us to pause before we attempt to reorder the natural world for our own purposes. There is love in this message; it may be difficult for those that struggle with homosexuality, but in some ways no less difficult than the struggle of those us heterosexuals who struggle against the desires of our appetites to have relations outside of marriage, the only appropriate place for the out-working of those appetites. Christ understood that...yet still He came to redeem us and offers us the grace and strength we need to overcome our inordinate desires.
He came to us, and brought redemption with Him. Recognizing our need for His salvation is the first step to receive the forgiveness He offers. It is not out of hate that sinners are called to repent; the call goes out to us all, so that all might be saved. This is the heart of Christmas, and the very soul of the Gospel.
That all might be saved.
Good Christian men rejoice! Christ is born today, Christ is born today!
Sunday, December 21, 2008
On the Otherhand...
I took the opportunity to praise what I think is a healthy interpretation of the decision to have Rick Warren speak at the Inauguration.
Unfortunately...for every one step forward, there are those who would prefer to take as many steps backwards as possible...
It is hardly necessary to refute each of the ridiculous arguments behind his understanding of scripture, in part because he cites wikipedia as his knowledgable source for supposedly outing David and Jonathan, and in part because he's already dismissed any discussion that might be offered to clarify his deep confusion...however, I believe it does bear pointing out that this is the sort of discourse which won't lead to a better nation, a more successful society.
We may disagree with the reasons we come to the political conclusions we do...but having a fundamental respect for those on the other side of the aisle is vital if we'd like to see anything other than carnage left in our wake. Cenk Uygur and the many, many, many who post similar thoughts on HuffPo (scroll down to see the long list of other bloggers with their thoughts) should reflect on the thoughts of the author I praised in my previous post. Lee Stranahan has, I think, a solid head on his liberal shoulders.
Unfortunately...for every one step forward, there are those who would prefer to take as many steps backwards as possible...
It is hardly necessary to refute each of the ridiculous arguments behind his understanding of scripture, in part because he cites wikipedia as his knowledgable source for supposedly outing David and Jonathan, and in part because he's already dismissed any discussion that might be offered to clarify his deep confusion...however, I believe it does bear pointing out that this is the sort of discourse which won't lead to a better nation, a more successful society.
We may disagree with the reasons we come to the political conclusions we do...but having a fundamental respect for those on the other side of the aisle is vital if we'd like to see anything other than carnage left in our wake. Cenk Uygur and the many, many, many who post similar thoughts on HuffPo (scroll down to see the long list of other bloggers with their thoughts) should reflect on the thoughts of the author I praised in my previous post. Lee Stranahan has, I think, a solid head on his liberal shoulders.
Surprised and Pleased
I am, obviously, a political opponent of this man and his party/comrades/agenda.
But bravo for seeing the point of politics, and following a good step from our soon to be leader. America may give up it's heritage as a Christian nation...but I think it is important, as we work against that, that we don't surrender it's heritage as a society of discourse and dialog.
It's not the only thing; it's not even close to being the most important thing...but our nation is a valuable thing, and I hope to see it prosper, not languish. I believe that seeing us come together to discuss the ideas that we value is a much more hopeful and ultimately productive form of unity than some of the alternatives. If this is what happens as a result of this past election cycle, then I will go beyond even my affirmation of the election process and say that it is good that Mr. Obama was elected President. I hope he continues to work towards discourse in the public square, and to draw us away from the phantoms we believe the other side to be, and to face the realities of our political opponents.
Conservatives: it is, I think, possible to live with in harmony with those we disagree with politically and not abandon the heritage and legacy of our faith.
Liberals: fighting for morality in government doesn't mean that we are trying to make the government part of the church.
But bravo for seeing the point of politics, and following a good step from our soon to be leader. America may give up it's heritage as a Christian nation...but I think it is important, as we work against that, that we don't surrender it's heritage as a society of discourse and dialog.
It's not the only thing; it's not even close to being the most important thing...but our nation is a valuable thing, and I hope to see it prosper, not languish. I believe that seeing us come together to discuss the ideas that we value is a much more hopeful and ultimately productive form of unity than some of the alternatives. If this is what happens as a result of this past election cycle, then I will go beyond even my affirmation of the election process and say that it is good that Mr. Obama was elected President. I hope he continues to work towards discourse in the public square, and to draw us away from the phantoms we believe the other side to be, and to face the realities of our political opponents.
Conservatives: it is, I think, possible to live with in harmony with those we disagree with politically and not abandon the heritage and legacy of our faith.
Liberals: fighting for morality in government doesn't mean that we are trying to make the government part of the church.
Thursday, December 11, 2008
A War Like No Other
I am reading Victor Davis Hanson's "A War Like No Other" as I prep for teaching my 8th graders about the Peleponnesian War, and am very much enjoying his narrative. If you're looking for a book to help you relate extricate the morals of history and aid you in connecting with the ghosts of the past, I would certainly recommend it.
I am still in the beginning, but it is already an absorbing read. His explanation of Athens connection to modern America is enlightening, and examines some realities that I have often reflected on, without a proper frame of reference to guide me, not least of which is the question of why America is opposed by so many in the world.
I have long had my suspicions; growing up in a foreign country (especially one with a long history of colonization, both with and without the US) that it generally centers around envy: many who are not us wish they could be us, and since they cannot, hate us for being us.
Although this is something even VDH recognizes, also in play are the factors of the liberality of our society, and the unpredictable nature of a Free Government. We are an unknown quantity, and that is distressing to a world of known sums. Since WWII, America has filled the void of our potential with specific and material examples of our might and our ability to influence the world as we see fit.
For this, we are loathed. Which is odd, given how much good we do in the world.
And, odder still, those who stand as stark opponents to us are lauded. Chavez, Castro, Che (posthumously), Ahmadinejad...even Putin. They are celebrated as free thinkers and champions of a world that will not be ground under an American heel.
It is not because most of the world actually wants these individuals to be their leaders; if this were true, America would cease to be the center of so much of the world's power. But in the absence of another superpower (and sometimes even despite of another superpower...the Soviets were not unpopular during the Cold War in many elite circles, and are frequently spoken of with a certain amount of pseudo-admiration today) allows critics to fantasize that the freedoms and excesses of America are the cause of the world's ills.
I think it is the cost of being free. Freedom is alarming, and difficult to control. Citizens of a free society see tomorrows with potentials other citizens cannot begin to comprehend. This very fact creates an environment that puts others at odds with freedom.
Not unlike being a parent or a teacher or anyone responsible for growing children. The more they grow...the more they need to have responsibility for their own choices and lives, if they are to grow into fully functioning adults. Letting them experiment and learn how to make the right choices can be worrisome, to say the least...but without it, growth never happens.
Monday, December 08, 2008
Inevitable and Hilarious
This makes me laugh...a lot.
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As a brief explanation, let me ask a few questions of the Dems/Left leaner's that cannot stand Bush and were so excited about getting him out of office:
Do President's like to be liked?
Could Bush have been liked if he had wanted to be liked?
My answers to those questions are, respectively, yes, and yes.
So why did he hang his entire legacy on issues that contributed directly to his status as the whipping boy of the world? Simple hubris? Greed? Stupidity? Ignorance of the general growing discontent with his leadership? Or, as Oliver Stone ridiculously suggested, Daddy Issues?
Any or all of these are possibilities. The one possibility that the Left seems incapable of accepting is that we do not (and cannot) know all of the issues that impact the decisions the President must make. A President who is not self-serving first will not please everyone, and may end up not pleasing anyone (at least, any of the people who "matter").
As Obama's agenda and cabinet bring a harsh reality to the Leftist utopia envisioned by the subscribers of HuffPo, ask yourself this question: what has Obama learned, since winning the election, that has changed his perspective on so many issues?
******************************************************************************
As a brief explanation, let me ask a few questions of the Dems/Left leaner's that cannot stand Bush and were so excited about getting him out of office:
Do President's like to be liked?
Could Bush have been liked if he had wanted to be liked?
My answers to those questions are, respectively, yes, and yes.
So why did he hang his entire legacy on issues that contributed directly to his status as the whipping boy of the world? Simple hubris? Greed? Stupidity? Ignorance of the general growing discontent with his leadership? Or, as Oliver Stone ridiculously suggested, Daddy Issues?
Any or all of these are possibilities. The one possibility that the Left seems incapable of accepting is that we do not (and cannot) know all of the issues that impact the decisions the President must make. A President who is not self-serving first will not please everyone, and may end up not pleasing anyone (at least, any of the people who "matter").
As Obama's agenda and cabinet bring a harsh reality to the Leftist utopia envisioned by the subscribers of HuffPo, ask yourself this question: what has Obama learned, since winning the election, that has changed his perspective on so many issues?
Thursday, November 13, 2008
Mayor Newsome and the Law of the Land
Gavin Newsome, the ignoble mayor of San Francisco, has weighed in on the will of the people of California. Unsurprisingly, he opposes the measure, which carried the day.
Mr. Newsome, who has shown a general disregard for laws which he personally finds distasteful, is condemning the voices of the majority once again. Apparently, rule of the majority matters when they agree with you, but when they disagree, it is because they are hateful, wrong, or simply ignorant.
While I will agree that the Law should not be subject to merely the whim of the masses, at the same time, we have a process in place for the masses to speak and give their judgement regarding what we as a society accept. In this case, the people have spoken, a couple of times, and in each instance, the cause of Gay Marriage has failed to carry the day. Continuing the argument is perfectly acceptable; this is also part of the process. However, as has so often been the case in these last few years, a loss on the Left isn't merely a political loss; it's a critique of the morality of all involved, and a condemnation of our very souls. Freedom itself is overturned and in question if a liberal cause fails at the ballot box; the Republic walks a little closer to doom every time a Liberal issue is defeated.
When I encounter this sort of rhetoric from the Right, I do what I can to denounce it and work to calm the naysayers. Obama is not a Nazi...Obama is not actually a Marxist. Obama is not out to kill your babies, nor is He out to give your house to the bums on the street. He is a patriot, and has accomplished some truly praiseworthy things; he has my allegiance as the leader of the nation and my prayers as a man who undoubtedly needs God's guidance for the many problems he is facing. I disagree with nearly all of his platform...but the hyperbole doesn't ease tension; it makes the situation more dire.
For Mr. Newsome and much of his party, unfortunately, this breath of reality is not frequently forthcoming. As any Republican can tell you, the last 7 1/2 years have been filled with bitterness, spewing from the Left. It is not that disagreements are unhealthy or unexpected; it is that the way the Left fights has very little to do with what is actually good for the nation. How much of President Bush's time as President was rendered impotent because of the irrational hatred for him and everyone that supported him?
In California, they lost the debate. Marriage is not a right, it is a privilege, and as such it has been awarded to those for whom it has traditionally been the natural result of romance. This doesn't amount to the State making second-class citizens of Homosexuals; it is merely a specific contingent of the populace making their opinions known and declaring that they desire the Law to reflect their beliefs. It has roots in religion, but it is also defensible by those who want to see society prosper. Traditional marriage is good for our society...Homosexual unions do not contribute to society, in and of themselves. There are other, better, arguments for why the Law passed at the polls.
But this is really neither here nor there. The final point for today is this: the Law passed. Newsome and his ilk lost. Rather than taking it on the chin and planning for the next debate, they are spending their time protesting, and trying to force the issue by threatening to be publically upset. In California, this might be enough...but the Law of the Land cannot survive for long if either side decides that elections are only good when their values are upheld by the populace.
Christian Dems and opponents of Prop 8: don't let your side get away with undermining election results just because they're disappointing!
Mr. Newsome, who has shown a general disregard for laws which he personally finds distasteful, is condemning the voices of the majority once again. Apparently, rule of the majority matters when they agree with you, but when they disagree, it is because they are hateful, wrong, or simply ignorant.
While I will agree that the Law should not be subject to merely the whim of the masses, at the same time, we have a process in place for the masses to speak and give their judgement regarding what we as a society accept. In this case, the people have spoken, a couple of times, and in each instance, the cause of Gay Marriage has failed to carry the day. Continuing the argument is perfectly acceptable; this is also part of the process. However, as has so often been the case in these last few years, a loss on the Left isn't merely a political loss; it's a critique of the morality of all involved, and a condemnation of our very souls. Freedom itself is overturned and in question if a liberal cause fails at the ballot box; the Republic walks a little closer to doom every time a Liberal issue is defeated.
When I encounter this sort of rhetoric from the Right, I do what I can to denounce it and work to calm the naysayers. Obama is not a Nazi...Obama is not actually a Marxist. Obama is not out to kill your babies, nor is He out to give your house to the bums on the street. He is a patriot, and has accomplished some truly praiseworthy things; he has my allegiance as the leader of the nation and my prayers as a man who undoubtedly needs God's guidance for the many problems he is facing. I disagree with nearly all of his platform...but the hyperbole doesn't ease tension; it makes the situation more dire.
For Mr. Newsome and much of his party, unfortunately, this breath of reality is not frequently forthcoming. As any Republican can tell you, the last 7 1/2 years have been filled with bitterness, spewing from the Left. It is not that disagreements are unhealthy or unexpected; it is that the way the Left fights has very little to do with what is actually good for the nation. How much of President Bush's time as President was rendered impotent because of the irrational hatred for him and everyone that supported him?
In California, they lost the debate. Marriage is not a right, it is a privilege, and as such it has been awarded to those for whom it has traditionally been the natural result of romance. This doesn't amount to the State making second-class citizens of Homosexuals; it is merely a specific contingent of the populace making their opinions known and declaring that they desire the Law to reflect their beliefs. It has roots in religion, but it is also defensible by those who want to see society prosper. Traditional marriage is good for our society...Homosexual unions do not contribute to society, in and of themselves. There are other, better, arguments for why the Law passed at the polls.
But this is really neither here nor there. The final point for today is this: the Law passed. Newsome and his ilk lost. Rather than taking it on the chin and planning for the next debate, they are spending their time protesting, and trying to force the issue by threatening to be publically upset. In California, this might be enough...but the Law of the Land cannot survive for long if either side decides that elections are only good when their values are upheld by the populace.
Christian Dems and opponents of Prop 8: don't let your side get away with undermining election results just because they're disappointing!
Vindication
Thursday, November 06, 2008
On the Day (or two) After the Election
First and foremost, major congratulations to President Elect Barack Obama. His election marks a major landmark in American history and a truly admirable accomplishment. Mr Obama and his family have been and will be in our prayers for the days, weeks, months and years to come. May God grant him wisdom and foresight, and may he be a leader that increases the liberty and virtue of our nation.
It is a good day to be an American.
The Republic has once again withstood a complete change of government, and no blood has been shed. We Americans take this for granted, but this has rarely been the case in the course of world history.
Faith in the election process has been restored for half the nation. Although we could argue about their reasons for doubting the process in the first place, that fact is worth noting. It is a bad thing when a significant portion of the nation believes they have been disenfranchised of their vote. If McCain was the necessary sacrificial lamb to set this right, we could not have asked for a better man, full of integrity and honor, to endure the loss of a long and difficult election. I hope that our friends on the Left take note...as we fully intend to return to power; remember, the Republic is more important than the results of the election, and tough as some loses may be, the nation needs both sides to come together in the aftermath.
It is important to remind ourselves (those of us frustrated Conservatives) that this is part of the political process. Loses are part of the game...and much good can come from having to re-examine our approach.
Let us pray for the President-to-Be and draw together as Christians and country-men.
It is a good day to be an American.
The Republic has once again withstood a complete change of government, and no blood has been shed. We Americans take this for granted, but this has rarely been the case in the course of world history.
Faith in the election process has been restored for half the nation. Although we could argue about their reasons for doubting the process in the first place, that fact is worth noting. It is a bad thing when a significant portion of the nation believes they have been disenfranchised of their vote. If McCain was the necessary sacrificial lamb to set this right, we could not have asked for a better man, full of integrity and honor, to endure the loss of a long and difficult election. I hope that our friends on the Left take note...as we fully intend to return to power; remember, the Republic is more important than the results of the election, and tough as some loses may be, the nation needs both sides to come together in the aftermath.
It is important to remind ourselves (those of us frustrated Conservatives) that this is part of the political process. Loses are part of the game...and much good can come from having to re-examine our approach.
Let us pray for the President-to-Be and draw together as Christians and country-men.
Monday, November 03, 2008
The Dawning of the Age of Obamius
Although I firmly hold to my prediction that McCain is about to be elected President, it seems wise to say something now, on the chance that I am wrong.
If I am wrong, at least I will no longer have to strive after success; in the coming Obamatocracy, I will no longer need to put gas in my car; I will not need to make my mortgage payments; doctors will come to my door free of charge when I get my annual cold/flu bout. Haircuts will no longer be just haircuts; they will make us beautiful people. Even farts will smell sweet...after all, when Obama comes to town, bad gas is a thing of the past.
Well, that was fun. But seriously...if Obama does win, I want to say right here and now...
It won't be the worst thing in the world.
I think the country will be worse for it (obviously). I did vote for McCain, and generally I vote for the man I believe to be best qualified for the office, best able to make a positive impact on our way of life.
However...successful discussions are not one-sided. And for the last 8 years, the discussion from the White House has been from one point of view. To the Liberals, this point of view represents just about their idea of Hell on Earth. The Left HATES Bush...really they do. At this point, it is practically impossible to have a discussion about his decisions with anyone who seriously disagrees with them and avoid some very emotionally charged accusations.
For the Liberals of this nation, Bush represents the worst case scenario. Yet the Nation still stands, and if a person can shoe-horn themselves into a reasonable frame of mind, I think we all agree that while the last 8 years may not have been your cup of tea, the Republic still stands.
I say all of this because...if Obama wins...I firmly believe that the Republic will still be standing 4 years from now. It won't be my cup of tea...I voted for the other guy. But I am not going to take the route of the inflated Hollywood diva's or perpetually disenfranchised and threaten to move to Canada (not that it would offer much solace...talk about leaving the frying pan in favor of the fire...). Obama is just a man, and even if he does preside over a Democrat dream team (solidly Liberal Executive, Legislative and Judicial branches), the Republic is bigger than the people who comprise the government of the nation.
Successful discussions are not one-sided. The nation may just be better for allowing one side to air-out their beliefs and test their theories. Certainly it appears that this is the desire of many Americans...why not have the patience and the trust in our system to endure the rule of a party we really disagree with? A challenge to conservatives...have the stalwart faith to congratulate Dems on winning this round and start prepping for 2010...changing the minds of America with regard to our beliefs requires a more coherent discussion than we have been offering for years now.
Also...as I have mentioned elsewhere, and taking the over-used line from Spiderman...with power comes responsibility. If the Dem's get their wish...they also inherit responsibility for everything. As their opponents, this should excite Conservatives...criticism is easy to level; leadership is difficult, even painful...and history frequently shows us that the reward for leaders who do more than pander to the mob is disdain and explusion from power.
Still and all...its an election. It is part of the process of the discussion of power and law in our nation...it is exciting, it is heartbreaking...it is also just another day. The Republic stands, and we work to make it the best we can. Take heart, losers on either side! An election is lost today, but not the Republic, not the Nation, not the World...not our salvation. Deep breaths...deep breaths...
If Obama is the next President of the United States of America, good Christians and certainly good Americans should all raise their glasses in the following toast:
God Bless the United States of America!
I hope the same will resound tomorrow, when John McCain starts his celebration of Victory!
If I am wrong, at least I will no longer have to strive after success; in the coming Obamatocracy, I will no longer need to put gas in my car; I will not need to make my mortgage payments; doctors will come to my door free of charge when I get my annual cold/flu bout. Haircuts will no longer be just haircuts; they will make us beautiful people. Even farts will smell sweet...after all, when Obama comes to town, bad gas is a thing of the past.
Well, that was fun. But seriously...if Obama does win, I want to say right here and now...
It won't be the worst thing in the world.
I think the country will be worse for it (obviously). I did vote for McCain, and generally I vote for the man I believe to be best qualified for the office, best able to make a positive impact on our way of life.
However...successful discussions are not one-sided. And for the last 8 years, the discussion from the White House has been from one point of view. To the Liberals, this point of view represents just about their idea of Hell on Earth. The Left HATES Bush...really they do. At this point, it is practically impossible to have a discussion about his decisions with anyone who seriously disagrees with them and avoid some very emotionally charged accusations.
For the Liberals of this nation, Bush represents the worst case scenario. Yet the Nation still stands, and if a person can shoe-horn themselves into a reasonable frame of mind, I think we all agree that while the last 8 years may not have been your cup of tea, the Republic still stands.
I say all of this because...if Obama wins...I firmly believe that the Republic will still be standing 4 years from now. It won't be my cup of tea...I voted for the other guy. But I am not going to take the route of the inflated Hollywood diva's or perpetually disenfranchised and threaten to move to Canada (not that it would offer much solace...talk about leaving the frying pan in favor of the fire...). Obama is just a man, and even if he does preside over a Democrat dream team (solidly Liberal Executive, Legislative and Judicial branches), the Republic is bigger than the people who comprise the government of the nation.
Successful discussions are not one-sided. The nation may just be better for allowing one side to air-out their beliefs and test their theories. Certainly it appears that this is the desire of many Americans...why not have the patience and the trust in our system to endure the rule of a party we really disagree with? A challenge to conservatives...have the stalwart faith to congratulate Dems on winning this round and start prepping for 2010...changing the minds of America with regard to our beliefs requires a more coherent discussion than we have been offering for years now.
Also...as I have mentioned elsewhere, and taking the over-used line from Spiderman...with power comes responsibility. If the Dem's get their wish...they also inherit responsibility for everything. As their opponents, this should excite Conservatives...criticism is easy to level; leadership is difficult, even painful...and history frequently shows us that the reward for leaders who do more than pander to the mob is disdain and explusion from power.
Still and all...its an election. It is part of the process of the discussion of power and law in our nation...it is exciting, it is heartbreaking...it is also just another day. The Republic stands, and we work to make it the best we can. Take heart, losers on either side! An election is lost today, but not the Republic, not the Nation, not the World...not our salvation. Deep breaths...deep breaths...
If Obama is the next President of the United States of America, good Christians and certainly good Americans should all raise their glasses in the following toast:
God Bless the United States of America!
I hope the same will resound tomorrow, when John McCain starts his celebration of Victory!
Thursday, October 30, 2008
Its the End of the World as We Know It
When given the option of making a solid prediction regarding the continuation of life on planet earth...avoid making claims tied to specific dates. Dates are too messy, and have a nasty habit of being wrong. Far easier to vaguely suggest the end of the world if your advice goes unheeded...some might blow you off, but at least you won't be the laughing stock of the world the morning after your predicted the Apocalypse...
Al Gore should have taken this into consideration when making his predictions...after all, there have been some classic instances of marking the exact date you're dire warnings become completely obsolete...Hal Lindsey, Edgar C. Whisenant, and many, many, many others...
Then it might not be so funny when scientists are utterly confused why science isn't producing the results they've come to expect... Who Knew? Man might not be a parasite, might not be the worst enemy of the world...or at least might not actually be the most powerful force to impact the earth and the rotation of the planets...
Al Gore should have taken this into consideration when making his predictions...after all, there have been some classic instances of marking the exact date you're dire warnings become completely obsolete...Hal Lindsey, Edgar C. Whisenant, and many, many, many others...
Then it might not be so funny when scientists are utterly confused why science isn't producing the results they've come to expect... Who Knew? Man might not be a parasite, might not be the worst enemy of the world...or at least might not actually be the most powerful force to impact the earth and the rotation of the planets...
Wednesday, October 29, 2008
Thank You W. Hollywood, or Why the Sheriff of West Hollywood is Pathetic
The logic behind the Sheriff's stance is...well...not so much logic as it is a putrid excuse for pansy, lily-livered "leadership."
In my quest to avoid using expletives, I am starting to sound like Yosemite Sam...
Can there be ANY serious minded, reasonable person in America who does not recognize that this crosses the line? If we are going to have the sham of "hate crimes" and purport the right to judge motivations and thoughts, isn't this clearly a candidate for such legislation? The lazy approach of Prang, dismissive to the point of arrogance, is both alarming and repulsive.
Seriously now...does anyone REALLY believe that an effigy of Obama would get the same treatment, Halloween not withstanding?
I say this on the eve of an election I really do believe will call into question the value of polls for years to come (Zach & I have wagered cigars on the outcome...I fully expect to be enjoying the cigar he buys me Nov 8th...), and I say this because there is a great amount of hatred in our nation for those we disagree with politically--to the extent that I think there are solid arguments against Christians pouring themselves into the political game, because it is so destructive to healthy, positive discussions...and the most important discussions we can have aren't about taxes, or wars, or health insurance, Social Security, immigration, marriage or even abortion.
Of course, these are also important discussions...and as a Christian in a Democratic Republic I think we do have responsibility to participate...and obviously I do...but this is an issue I have spent some time thinking seriously about.
This matters because, if I get the pleasure of smoking my victory cigar this Wednesday, there will be a lot of violently angry people out there crying "Fraud!" Part of this is because of the disgracefully lop-sided way the news has portrayed the campaigns of McCain and Obama...part of this is because losing is a hard thing to do.
What concerns me is the passivity we display in the face of increasingly violent frustration being expressed by people who disagree with the politics of those elected. Those people who hate Bush talk about the President in a way that should disturb us.
Of course, the Left (though guilty of doing it more, in my opinion) is not alone in violent expressions of their angst. Obama has certainly been the target of violent anger from some on the Right. There are people who talk about Obama in ways that cannot be denounced strong enough; my concern stems from the fact that the one-sided-ness that has favored Obama for 2 years has also failed to denounce the violent rage on the Left in the same way it has chastised it on the Right.
Call basketball players "nappy headed-hoes" on an entertainment show will get you fined, sued, fired, and censored. Hanging the woman running for VP in effigy doesn't even result in a fine or an order to cease and desist.
The Sheriff should be ashamed of this decision. But, of course it's not a real problem, and West Hollywood somehow doesn't care...since this indifference is directed towards someone the community despises.
In my quest to avoid using expletives, I am starting to sound like Yosemite Sam...
Can there be ANY serious minded, reasonable person in America who does not recognize that this crosses the line? If we are going to have the sham of "hate crimes" and purport the right to judge motivations and thoughts, isn't this clearly a candidate for such legislation? The lazy approach of Prang, dismissive to the point of arrogance, is both alarming and repulsive.
Seriously now...does anyone REALLY believe that an effigy of Obama would get the same treatment, Halloween not withstanding?
I say this on the eve of an election I really do believe will call into question the value of polls for years to come (Zach & I have wagered cigars on the outcome...I fully expect to be enjoying the cigar he buys me Nov 8th...), and I say this because there is a great amount of hatred in our nation for those we disagree with politically--to the extent that I think there are solid arguments against Christians pouring themselves into the political game, because it is so destructive to healthy, positive discussions...and the most important discussions we can have aren't about taxes, or wars, or health insurance, Social Security, immigration, marriage or even abortion.
Of course, these are also important discussions...and as a Christian in a Democratic Republic I think we do have responsibility to participate...and obviously I do...but this is an issue I have spent some time thinking seriously about.
This matters because, if I get the pleasure of smoking my victory cigar this Wednesday, there will be a lot of violently angry people out there crying "Fraud!" Part of this is because of the disgracefully lop-sided way the news has portrayed the campaigns of McCain and Obama...part of this is because losing is a hard thing to do.
What concerns me is the passivity we display in the face of increasingly violent frustration being expressed by people who disagree with the politics of those elected. Those people who hate Bush talk about the President in a way that should disturb us.
Of course, the Left (though guilty of doing it more, in my opinion) is not alone in violent expressions of their angst. Obama has certainly been the target of violent anger from some on the Right. There are people who talk about Obama in ways that cannot be denounced strong enough; my concern stems from the fact that the one-sided-ness that has favored Obama for 2 years has also failed to denounce the violent rage on the Left in the same way it has chastised it on the Right.
Call basketball players "nappy headed-hoes" on an entertainment show will get you fined, sued, fired, and censored. Hanging the woman running for VP in effigy doesn't even result in a fine or an order to cease and desist.
The Sheriff should be ashamed of this decision. But, of course it's not a real problem, and West Hollywood somehow doesn't care...since this indifference is directed towards someone the community despises.
Whitmore said that potential hate crimes are evaluated
on a case-by-case basis. If the same display had been made of a Barack
Obama-like doll, for example, authorities would have to evaluate it
independently, Whitmore said.
"That adds a whole other social,
historical hate aspect to the display, and that is embedded in the consciousness
of the country," he said, adding he's not sure whether it would be a hate crime.
"It would be ill-advised of anybody to speculate on that."
Tuesday, October 21, 2008
Be Careful What You Wish For
Speaking as a young-ish Republican who, as an even younger Republican once verbally speculated that we were witnessing the complete and utter demise of the Democratic party, reading the jubilee at sites such as HuffPo or DailyKos reminds me of the atmosphere in the Republican ranks in 2002 & 2004.
There can be one major problem with getting all the power in the land...you become responsible for everything...and that will inevitably mean you will lose the favour of the mob. This reality is already sinking in on the Dems...
The Dems are catering to the mob...the Republicans haven't run the best race or articulated their arguments with the greatest eloquence, but that doesn't change the facts; this campaign, for the Dems, has been run on the momentum of a mob that is confused and unhappy with what they believe is going on in the nation. The problem with catering to a mob is that you must continue to satisfy them, or they will do what mobs do best; turn on you.
So to the Dems that may or may not be preparing to celebrate a sweeping victory..take this advice from a Republican who thought he had seen the last vestiges of a serious Democrat party 6 years ago...sometimes the worst thing that can happen to you is getting what you want.
Just know...I'll be watching and waiting to see the Utopia unfold...
There can be one major problem with getting all the power in the land...you become responsible for everything...and that will inevitably mean you will lose the favour of the mob. This reality is already sinking in on the Dems...
The Dems are catering to the mob...the Republicans haven't run the best race or articulated their arguments with the greatest eloquence, but that doesn't change the facts; this campaign, for the Dems, has been run on the momentum of a mob that is confused and unhappy with what they believe is going on in the nation. The problem with catering to a mob is that you must continue to satisfy them, or they will do what mobs do best; turn on you.
So to the Dems that may or may not be preparing to celebrate a sweeping victory..take this advice from a Republican who thought he had seen the last vestiges of a serious Democrat party 6 years ago...sometimes the worst thing that can happen to you is getting what you want.
Just know...I'll be watching and waiting to see the Utopia unfold...
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