As 2006 wends its way into history, 2007 looms. The New Year is a time of optimism that rarely becomes a self-fulfilling prophecy. How many of us actually make it to the first of February with our resolutions?A new political season is nearly upon us. John Murtha has already declared earmarks are welcome in return for support for his defense bill. Senate majority leader Harry Reid, along with his deputy, are on a trade mission to Peru touring the Macho Picho ruins.
The talking heads are already staking out their Presidential candidates and those they want to destroy before they even get started. Chris Matthews loves Rudy Guiliani even with his dubious record and continually makes snide remarks about Mit Romney and Barak Obama. He fawns over Edwards because he's the name of the day but he lost as a running mate to Kerry and his stump speech offers nothing new. What he has developed is an arrogance that bothers me - because he ran before he knows better than anyone else what is required to be President.
McCain is old and tired and looks it. He is also politically expedient whether right or wrong. Biden? Does he listen as much as he talks? Hillary is probably as divisive as it is said.
In the spirit of our beloved Cafeteria Party, I'll end the year with my thoughts. We need another Gerald Ford. A steady hand, an ear that hears, a true intellect and a kindness of heart.
There are too many unknowns to make a decision at this point but I do know that being a Senator does not automatically qualify anyone to be President. I do know that lack of foreign policy experience does not eliminate anyone from being qualified to be President. So get off it media! A multitude of years in politics is not a requirement, nor necessarily desirable, for a Presidential candidate. Being "mature" doesn't give you a monopoly on wisdom. Look at Cheney and Rumsfeld.
Look at the good men who have already opted out - Mark Warner, the promising former governor of Virginia; Evan Bayh, the promising young Senator from Indiana. Let's hope it doesn't happen to Senator Obama. He's young and fresh. He's articulate. He listens. He does not bring with him the baggage of the current generations in governmental power. And he's as American as apple pie. Might he be a young Gerry Ford? The right person in the right place at the right time? Who knows. Whoever it may be, the future of our country and all that it was and can be again, need such a leader desperately. It should be an interesting year. May the best of our men and women come forward to lead and have the courage to thwart ambition, greed and lust for power. May the well being of our country be a priority to each and every one of us.
So I take a deep breath, say good bye to 2006 and wish you all a happy, healthy and prosperous 2007.
3 comments:
I would rather not vote for a Senator or Congressman, frankly. They're too ingrained in the "beltway culture". So far, I haven't heard what I want to hear from any potential candidate. But, it's early, yet.
We are beginning in the throw of the hat into the circle early.. With Edwards. Guiliani, what most people have forgotten is the pre 9-11-01, that most people thought of him as a joke. No one really liked him. I like Barak Obama too. But what scares me... is that he is a really nice guy. And politics seem to eat nice guys. He is level headed, common sense, doesn't jump to conclusions.. all the good stuff. But will the parties destroy him? Will they and the media feed off of some lie about his family or what ever they deem to drag up and lie about. Is he strong enough. Maybe that is what he is asking his family this week.
Oh, please God, let our choices be about the right person and not have vicious lies and destroy families for the sake of being a President. Let this NOT be the best that one can buy...as in the past.
May 2007 be the future of the Cafeteria Party, and be the way...
Some people will and no doubt have said that Senator Obama lacks the experience to be President or the wisdom that comes with age.
There is no education or single occupational experience that prepares someone to be President. It is on-the-job training that depends on personal traits of honesty, character, integrity, loyalty, leadership, and clear thinking more than on diplomas and government experience.
If Senator Obama were to be nominated by his party in 2008, he would be 46 years old. Presidents Theodore Roosevelt and John Kennedy were 42 and 43 at their respective inaugurations. Presidents William Clinton and Ulysses Grant were both 46 at their inaugurations.
Mari, your talking about Senator McCain's political expedience reminded me of a satirical song by Tom Lehrer. It was entitled Wernher von Braun. I've linked to the lyrics.
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