THE CURMUDGEON CHRONICLE - #222

THE CURMUDGEON CHRONICLE ©

AN IRREVERENT VIEW


Time Line: November 19, 2007
Date Line: Flemington New Jersey

Politicians think that truth is what voters want to hear, rather than facts or what a candidate believes. Expecting a candidate to be candid is like asking the tooth fairy to be a dentist. By the very nature of tooth-fairyhood, teeth need to fall out. The tooth fairy does not try to keep them in your head and the candidate is interested in the job, but not necessarily the truth.

Where is the candidate that understands what we believe; is very clear about what he or she believes, but who will choose a course best for all citizens despite anyone’s personal beliefs?

The current debates have revealed the following:

1. Republican candidates will say anything that convinces the constituency that they: believe in a Deity designed by an acceptable denomination; are against abortion for any reason; are against fetal stem cell research; and think that sexual orientation must be a constitutional mandate and a sacrament. They also claim no one else on the planet can keep you safe from attack. (You know: just like George W. Bush)

2. Democratic candidates will say anything that convinces the constituency that they: will provide health care for $5.00 a month; will bring manufacturing jobs back; will end the war in Iraq next week, and that illegal aliens can have (or not have) driver’s licenses, depending on what time of day it is and who is asking the question.

In spite of what is obvious, some people think that one (or more) candidate(s) is open and “candid”.

George W. Bush has made it difficult for Republicans. The candidates are left to their own resources and the Rove pitch, “If the facts are bad, find non-issues and make them seem important. If that isn’t working, scare the Hell out of the voters”. In consequence they have a unique platform that differentiates the US from the rest of the civilized world. The platform says that:

… No where but here, (except in Moslem countries), is religion a test for electability.
… Nowhere but here, (except in the Moslem world), is homosexuality tantamount to a criminal act.
… Nowhere but here, (with the same exception), is abortion treated as a matter so vital that it has become a gospel.
…Nowhere in the civilized world other than here (except in Moslem countries) is torture an accepted practice.

If Americans thought Republican candidates believed those were seminal truths there would be a popular movement to provide them with psychiatric care. In fact, we know that they are just guys looking for a job who will say anything necessary to get it.

As to the Democrats: They know we won’t get affordable, universal health care unless everyone is employed and the providers of drugs and services are not entrenched in the political machines. They know the lost jobs will not come back. They know that ending war is not an option because we face no enemy that can accept or offer armistice. Why can’t they tell the truth: We are invaders who can and should withdraw? They know we cannot turf out 10 million illegals (with or without driver’s licenses) yet no one would assure border security.

It is said that, “The function of the President of a country is not to lead; it is to express national outrage.” Our outrage is and has been clear for a while. I have heard no candidate of either Party tell me how it will be assuaged and how its banner will be flown.

Our most revered Presidents have been those who expressed the National will. Those who provided lip service or acted to further their own ideas are not remembered with respect or affection, regardless of political party.

The administrations of John Adams, Richard Nixon, Jimmy Carter, Andrew Johnson, George W. Bush, and their ilk were shaped by their individual ghosts or goals. Washington, Jefferson, Lincoln, and both Roosevelts, led administrations more reflective of the National Will.
Who among the present candidates can we agree has the National Will firmly in view?

That is a matter to be decided based on the answer to the question: “Will you place the wishes and needs of the people above your own ideas and the desires of your financial and political backers?” If you believe a candidate’s answer fits him to serve, he deserves your vote. The problem is to find and define him.

The media have a primary obligation in that regard, but have chosen to sell newspapers and pander to popular tastes instead. They jumped on a bandwagon of their own making and left candidates like Biden and Paul without the exposure they merit. In so doing they have provided us with a major disservice.

This quadrennial beauty contest is not usually won by the fairest in the land and heaven knows we cannot afford another Prince who turns into a frog after the votes are counted. Who does the Chronicle like?

At the moment it is a toss-up between Glenda the Good Witch and Smeralda the Queen of the Tooth Fairies. The Chronicle likes happy endings.

Howard Stamer