Obama gave a historic speech last week, the first time since MLK that a leader spoke to the American people about race as if we are adults. What was most remarkable about the speech was not its eloquence but its honesty. Obama dared to speak openly of things we only whisper about to trusted friends; or just think about, not daring to put words to the thought.
Racism is an original sin of America. Yet we avoided many other sins that have plagued other nations. Our founding fathers created a Republic, not a Monarchy. It sounds natural in 2008, but back in 1783 it was unique. It was the accepted view that the son and occasionally daughter or wife of a ruler was entitled to continue on the throne.
George Washington could very well have become monarch of America, as Napoleon declared himself Emperor of France a few decades later. By returning to his Virginia farm and not letting his family continue his legacy, Washington set the tone for the future of the country.
Are dynasties inherently bad? Shouldn't the experience of a family member of a President help in being ready on Day One at 3am? Actually no. History tell us that kind of thinking leads to disaster.
We can look at our own history. The two Presidents who succeeded their father-John Quincy Adams and George W. Bush- were haunted by the shadow of the greater man. At least JQA had the common sense to quit after a first term and build an honorable career as a Congressman. GWB tried to prove that he could complete his father's aborted (in his view) war in Iraq and led the country into disaster.
But we can look around the world. It is usually corrupt third world dictators who groom their wives and children to succeed them. Assad of Syria, Peron of Argentina, Sukarno of Indonesia... the dangers of nepotism are so obvious.
Nepotism sets up the wrong incentives for Government officials. Loyalty trumps competence. The Bush administration is an obvious example. Rumsfeld was kept on after he screwed up royally because Bush prized loyalty. Not to the country, but to the Bush family. Lower level officials take their cue from what is going on at the top: did "Helluva job Brownie" get his job for his competence?
So let us speak of what cannot speak. Nepotism is the reason Hillary Clinton became a leading candidate for the Presidency. Only because of the connections built up during Bill Clinton's term in office. The Clintons expect personal loyalty to them from the people Bill appointed to Government positions. Most recently President Clinton asked Bill Richardson was asked "Aren't two cabinet positions enough?". His toadie Carville called Bill Richardson a Judas, especially provocative on Easter Sunday.
This sense of entitlement is dangerous to the nation. It is evil. It corrupts the Government. It insults the good people who served their country honorably, whose loyalty is to the country and not its temporary rulers. We have a President not a Caesar.
But it is also stupid politics. People who get to positions through nepotism appoint others out of personal loyalty and not competence. That is why Hillary Clinton hired and could not fire the incompetent manager who almost bankrupted her campaign. And when she finally did replace her, it was by another family retainee, who has bankrupted the campaign a second time in two months. This is why she pays Mark Penn 2.7 million dollars of her supporter's money for two months' work. And Harry Wolfson, the Three Diamond Whore of politics, $1350 per hour. In spite of their colossal incompetence.
Nepotism is what Hillary Clinton's campaign is about. That alone is a reason to oppose her. Let us have a clean sweep. A fresh start for the Democratic Party and the Country.
Obama, Richardson, Pelosi, McCaskell, Webb, Warner, Patrick,Paterson... we have so many excellent leaders in the Democratic Party. We do not need to follow the Republicans and have our list of Presidents read Bush-Clinton-Bush-Clinton. Let a new flock of leaders come in and move us out of the nineteen nineties fully into the new century.
For that matter, if Obama were to win the nomination and the Presidency, we shouldn't want Michelle Obama to succeed him as President. It didn't work for the Kennedys, it has been a disaster with Bush, and it will be a disaster if we go with Hilary Clinon.
|
|
|
Permalink :: 81 Comments :: Post a Comment
|
In order to post a comment, you must be logged in. If you have a member account, please log in to comment.
If not, you can make an account right here. It's quick and free.
