Rick
I am not a friend, just and ordinary person observing the pundit peanut gallery from outside the tent. The following is my response to the Bill Kristal capitulation to the base conservative principals (NR), and to your despondent reaction to Fred’s withdrawal.
The Longer View
Your thoughts and comments regarding the current crop of presidential hopefuls and their relative standing in the post Reagan era are well taken. The majority of these candidates, right and left, focus on domestic issues and perhaps that is appropriate for a primary selection process.
This election however represents a generational leadership change. Administrations assuming the mantle responsibility in that circumstance are vigorously challenged by external events ranging from global economic failures to tinhorn dictators. Think FDR, JFK, and now President to be: ?.
The next president if perceived to be weak by the international community will receive a swift kick to the “lock box”. Probably more than one. The learning curve will be steep and dangerous. As I view the candidates standing in the shadow of Mt. Reagan, the thoughts in my head and the feelings in my gut tell me that these folks are not ready for Prime Time. Further, the response of the electorate to date does not inspire confidence in they’re being Ready for the Prime Time reality show of their lives.
We have been here before, muddled through a beginning, finished on top, and we will do it again. That is what America is about. Breakout those hightop shoes and roll up the pants legs gentlemen, “Detour Ahead”.
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In my view the ME generation remains focused on themselves to the detriment of all of us. Fred had a longer view of the historical context of this election cycle but, was not the nimble thinker the future will demand. I can forgive Rudy’s’ abortion issue, Mitts’ socialist tendencies are more difficult, Mc Cain though is special case. The good man is one of the walking wounded of Viet Nam. His temperament will trip him and I don’t want us left to deal with the consequences.
Take heart. Life’s most valuable lessons are the most painful, and they are not easily forgotten. Surely you would not wish to deprive our new generations of this opportunity for political enlightenment.
I will still vote Republican.
I will not be holding my nose.
I will observe the process with interest.
We are electing a President, not a king.
Only in America. What a country!
