In the early 1970's I worked for a United States Senator in Washington, D.C. It was one of the greatest experiences of my life and the most educational.
Senator Charles Goodall of New York was appointed to fill the remaining term of Senator Robert Kennedy. He got the office and the staff that Kennedy had built. They were a dedicated and intelligent group of youth who and followed Kennedy's lead for change. Had he lived and been elected president they would no doubt have been on his presidential staff.
In those years leading up to the embarrassment of having a leader of our country resign because of crimes against the country I had two examples of what is good and what is bad in government. Goodall listened to his staff and Nixon dictated to his staff.
There is no way any one person can know every aspect of every issue facing a state as large as New York or Illinois or Texas let alone the United States of America. There are those that would argue we have become so large and diverse we would function better as a federation of nation states. The only way to attempt to do what is best for this country is to listen to trusted advisers that have at heart the good of the citizens of this country. To do that you need to have an open mind and an ability to inspire, not rule.
Our present president wants to rule. It is his way or the highway. He listens to only those few advisers he refuses to replace regardless of the advise they give him. And I am not that sure if at the moment he listens to them. We do not need another eight years of someone that is so damn sure they are right that they argue with everyone about everything.
Now more than ever in the history of this country the leader needs to listen. Listen to the woes of the citizens, listen to the division in our country and the world, listen to other world leaders, listen to scientists and educators, and come to a decision about the direction to be taken and inspire the congress and the people of this nation to follow him or her.
We need someone that can build consensus, rally the various factions to work together, and open dialog with the enemies created by G.W.Bush. The days of leaders like Teddy Roosevelt is gone. There is no San Juan hill to be charged up. We need leaders with a predisposition to listen and negotiate and change if necessary or change the opinions of the electorate if that is necessary. We need leaders that can pick staff and advisers for their intelligence and knowledge; not for their ability to click their heels and salute.
The primary process is meant to be difficult and prolonged. some say it be nice if we could all vote in a national primary on one day, but would we have learned enough about those running in that short time? Our primary system stresses our candidates so we get to see how they behave under pressure. How their staffs behave under pressure. How well everyone works as a team. If you cannot make nice with your opponent how can you negotiate with a potential enemy to avoid a war. Bombing them, with words or weapons, is the easy choice. Reducing everything to a one liner like Flip Flopper is taking the easy way out. We want and need someone this time around that cannot only talk and inspire, but listen and find common ground.
We are not seeking a Republican or Democrat, woman or man, white or black. We are seeking a leader with the right attitude; one that is well aware they do not know everything.
I missed the debate due to Poker Night--I'm sure Obama looked more equanamious (?) ;-p than Hillary. But the Clintons will use their immense political savvy to manipulate the Convention, I feel sure--they will do the politically-expedient dance like Fred & Ginger, lol. Barack, though, is a juggernaut, isn't he? We are really seeking change, I feel, & I so dearly hope people vote beyond smalltown party politics & think about it. Maybe H was making a nod toward accepting VP when she said she was happy to be in company w/the articulate & impressive Senator Obama. I fear for his safety, though. I really admired from what I read in the Yahoo News that he said he would negotiate right away with Cuba & not try to impose sanctions until they "improve" down there, as Hilary would. She strikes me as the sort of Liberal who thinks she truly knows what is good & fit & proper for EVERYONE because SHE is so smart & perfectionist (right), the kind of Liberalism that leads to oppression & rot at the top, the kind of "village" that limits your individuality. So say I, SELAH. (hahahahaha)
ReplyDeleteI fear that she will bring with her all the old advisers not unlike Bush did. I think the world is changing so fast we cannot use the old style of politics and leadership.
ReplyDeleteI think Obama's lack of experience is a plus. I hate politics as it is. And if Hillary uses the Clinton machine to change things at the convention with super delegates we will have rioting in the streets. Talk about a racial divide. And will the Muslim countries negotiate with a woman? I understand they think Rice is an insult and while they will sit in the room with her they do not talk.
Excelent post.. I have had my concerns about Hillary all along. This country really needs someone that can listen and still get along with other nations, while not selling us out. Or taxing us to death..I'm still hoping for more choices, but that does not seem likely. Enjoying your posts..Thanks for sharing! KatB
ReplyDeleteI think the thing I do hate most about the primary process is the amount of money it takes to stay in the race. There are a few who had to drop out early due to funding I would like to have another look at. Or a first chance to vote on. By the time they got to New Mexico several had already dropped.
ReplyDeleteI have really enjoyed the debate process this year. I think we ought to have more debates before the first primary. It might just change the outcome. And with the debates do we really need negative campaign ads.
As a 'foreigner' I watched last night with fascination as the two candidates responded to the questions. I have never before taken such an interest in US politics even after 1990. But with GWB "in the chair" and his ability to make Blair come on board with regard to the war in Iraq, I want to know how the next US President is going to fare internationally. I agree that the US needs a leader with the right attitude and I feel Hillary would continue the present style politics to the White House. I also have a problem with 'two for the price of one' because no one can tell me that Bill will not be involved somewhere albeit behind the scenes. I don't doubt that Hillary has 35 plus years of experience behind her but sometimes, just sometimes it's that 35 years of experience that stops people from moving on and looking at things in a different light.
ReplyDeleteBee
I certainly appreciate your comments, Bee. We talk a lot about being a global economy but we are also political entangled. It will take all of us to face some of the problems that face us like oil shortages and global warming. The polices of GWB has isolated us and prevented progress for 7 going on 8years and I don't thank we can waste any more time. If Hillary got in we will have had a Bush or Clinton in office for three decades. Enough is enough.
ReplyDeleteIt's time for an Obama!
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