Rhetoric vs. Reality
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When the "plumbers" broke into Democrat Headquarters at Watergate, it immediately became news and eventually led to the resignation of Richard Nixon. Since then both the "left" and the "right" have vilified Nixon for the action of people with whom at the time of the break-in, he had no connection. He learned about it after the fact, but his pivotal failure was that once he became aware of them, he proceeded to cover the matter rather than deal with it honorably, transparently and immediately. One "misstatement" was soon covered by another until the web of deception made it impossible for him to remain as President with any moral authority. The Democrats, seizing the opportunity, initiated steps to impeach him for a variety of infractions; and, to avoid a total "train wreck," Republicans "threw him under the bus." He resigned and departed a disgraced and broken man, and for what? It was for "covering up" and as the process dragged on, for violating his Oath of Office in a number of unsavory and illegal ways, although not as blatant or as extensive as Clinton.
Obama promised repeatedly that his administration would be a departure from "old politics," that there would be "change" and "transparency," that he would not stand for it the "old way" and that was what "the campaign was all about." (Does that mean in "lawyer speak" that only applied to the campaign and "we'll govern as we please?")
Two things:
- Why not release his medical records and original birth certificate so that any nagging questions about his eligibility are quashed? And,
- Why did he go on National TV and state that he nor his staff had not had any conversations with Illinois Governor Rod Blagojevich about his successor when the tapes evidently reveal that his Chief of Staff had contacted the governor at least six times; that Obama, himself, was reported on November 5th, to have had a meeting with the Governor about his replacement; and that Axelrod reported that Obama had been in discussions (later, the campaign reported that Axelrod "misspoke," whatever that means) with Blagojevich.
(Note. For those who are getting ahead of themselves, Obama is not President, in fact it may be to the surprise and dismay of many who will read this, Obama is not even President-elect. He has been selected, not elected, since election is the purview of the Electoral College; and in the "for what it's worth department," that vote has not yet taken place.)
It is well known that there would be not one thing wrong with the President-select to have a conversation about his replacement with anyone he chose to have such a meeting. However, it would be highly unethical, if not illegal, for him to engage in any sort of or quid pro quo for personal benefit by anyone in the selection process. Obama's silence, that is, his refusal to address the matter with completely open candor belies his earlier promises; and, given the now openly, admittedly corrupt and incestuous nature of Chicago politics where Obama has his political roots, he is tainted with Nixonian stigma. Not a good start.
"Give him a chance!" Okay. I'm giving him a chance and so far, he is failing. He remains the empty suit that he was from the beginning. Why else pick Washington insiders for his own administration? Why pick Clinton people, unless he is following the adage "keep you friends close and your enemies closer." That's too bad for him, and much worse for the country.
No one with any brains would seriously argue with anyone else with any brains that even though he was surrounded by and immersed in Chicago politics that he wasn't affected, get serious! We are just now learning what the French have known for two centuries, "the more things change, the more they remain the same."
Let's do this, let's pray and I mean it, for those who believe in prayer, let's pray that Obama will see the error of his present "Chicago politics" ways, repent, then do and say what he promised with respect "transparency" and a "new kind of politics," during the Campaign. Unless, of course, this is the "new kind of politics."
Semper Fidelis
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