I'm an armchair political observer, falling neither on one side of the "fence" or the other. Not a dove, nor a hawk, liberal or conservative, Republican or Democrat, just a guy with a sense for people and events.
But lately, over the last few years, everything has felt a bit "odd" in America.
I was reading a clip from MSNBC one day on Paul O'Neill's recent book, "The Price of Loyalty" (actually, the book is by Ron Suskind, a former Wall Street Journal journalist), describing the rather objective account of O'Neill's first day as Secretary of the Treasury. I'd always been critical of the tax cuts "policy", and this blurb was enough to get me interested.
I purchased the book and read it cover to cover. Again, I'm no politically minded guy, but O'Neil's experience comes off very professional. In spite of O'Neill's ultimate removal from the Treasury, the book doesn't sound bitter or degrading, and in an interview with Katie Couric, he even forfeits that he'd vote again for George W. Bush in the next election. To me, Paul O'Neill, from my experience with people, sounds very sober-minded and straightforward (qualities that inevitably lead to his forced resignation from office).
The account speaks of a Bush that shows little obvious direction, and the "praetorian circle" around Bush that guides his input and decisions - namely Cheney, Wolfowitz and Rumsfeld, as well as others. O'Neill speaks of "almost scripted meetings" with people who represent the interests of the majority, and little opposing view or facts to guide decision-making. It all feels like bad management to O'Neill, and sounds like it to me.
That's how the past actions of this administration feel: the ground war in Iraq, the slap on the hand for Enron, the persistent tax cuts, the act to protect marriage, and trampling over the U.N. Again, bear in mind, I'm no dove or liberal. I served a term in the Marine Corps, and continued service with the Naval Reserve; I feel the world often needs the U.S.'s "gusto" for leadership. But, in this case, the Iraqi war sequel, felt like a planned chess move from the get-go.
And it was. There were talks about it the very first National Security Council meeting back in January of 2001, according to O'Neill. There were also objections and doubts expressed by Colin Powell, but inevitably, it would be an irrefutable case under the administration's agenda.
OK. Long and short of it is…
Things feel "odd" in the last three years. People are discovering, "damn, Clinton wasn't such a bad president after all." They say he was highly intelligent; I hadn't heard anyone remark about his intelligence until after he had left office. It reminds me of Darrell Hammond's skit on Saturday Night Live where he plays a jilted Clinton giving parting words to the Nation. "Suck on it, America. Suck-on-it." He's probably on-target with Clinton's actual feelings; the guy spent 8 years fighting his "ladies man" scandalous behavior, while dealing with world conflicts, reforming welfare and slowing the National Debt.
You know, come to think about it, I think that's a sign of good times. When the worst America has to think about its president is his promiscuous ways, things are probably pretty damn good. And hell… they were I guess.
Really sir, what the hell's going on here?
But President Bush, sir, what's up with this damn war already? We know Halliburton's like Cheney's Mafia, so it doesn't look good when they suddenly get contracts without bidding. What normal family is actually benefits from eliminating Estate taxes? When's the last time a "NASCAR Dad" was hit hard after transferring his beach house in the Hamptons? And what's the idea spending $500 billion more last year on America's credit card? You know our kids'll be paying off the National Debt for the next 3 centuries. C'mon now?!
Look, all the aircraft carrier landings in the world aren't gonna to boost your popularity with the Sergeants and Chiefs in the Mediterranean when they miss their second Thanksgiving. Just accept the fact that whoever takes office in Iraq is not gonna' like America, and let those troops start packing their bags as soon as they can.
We all know Kerry looks fishy. You know you have the upper hand for at least appearing to be decisive. I'm telling you, come back down to Earth, take another four-week vacation in Crawford, and do a little sightseeing along the way. If you think all this help for the business owners and upper-middle class is helping America out, see it for yourself. At least look at the real figures like O'Neill suggested, not some concocted, selective statistical report that favors more supply-side economics.
I honestly want to like George W. Bush. You have a chance sir. Don't let the "praetorian circle" ruin it for you.
I'm no dove or liberal. I served a term in the Marine Corps, and continued service with the Naval Reserve; I feel the world often needs the U.S.'s "gusto" for leadership. But, in this case, the Iraqi war sequel, felt like a planned chess move from the get-go.