Well, it's finally official! Hillary Clinton is the Secretary of State designate. No surprise there!Much is being made of two things. One is the question of how all these Clinton retreads can represent change. And two, can the team of rivals work together or will monumental egos get in the way.
Point number one. With the world as it is today, the fact that Obama is putting people into top offices that have a great deal of experience is of comfort. It comes as no surprise that they are Clinton retreads. After all he is a Democrat and these men and women are the ones who have the necessary experience. Hillary probably has the least applicable experience of any of them. She is, however, bright and able, has a great deal of pride and a hefty ego. There is no way she will embarrass herself in that office.
As for how they will get along. Obama has indicated he expects and will encourage lively debate. No one doubts that is what he will get. I'm going to do something a bit out of character for me. I'm going to disagree with the pundits who insist on foreseeing strife and chaos. I'm going to forecast cohesive and well thought out policy decisions as a result of that lively debate.
During "normal" times, whatever that means these days, I would see each of the strong personalities trying to carve out their own glorious niches. But not today. There is far too much at stake. This past week in India has come as a strong reminder of how fragile peace and well being can be. Look at Thailand. Look all around us. The beheaded bodies being found all along the Mexican border around Tijuana. It's a grim, grim world out there.
The world can no longer tolerate the posturing of egos. It will expect, if not demand, hardcore diplomacy from seasoned professionals, no matter the nationality.
The world as we know it has already been permanently altered with the economic meltdown. It can ill afford additional problems from a lack of strong leadership and diplomacy. I would like to believe each and every cabinet appointee is well aware of what is at stake for not only our nation but the world. I would like to believe each realizes his or her part in finding solutions. I would especially like to believe each and every one of them knows, from Obama on down, that the world needs America to be all that it can be.
It's not just Obama's team. It is our team. And we, as a nation, have been and can be again, a team without rival. That, friends, is all the change I need.
