Presidential Intelligence

Nobody has been more critical of HRC (see past postings) in terms of policy (past and present) than me but, seriously folks, please consider the alternative and the potential damage a Trump presidency could unleash upon the world. Even if one holds that Clinton somehow (by virtue of a unique calculus) is equally problematic, then simply compare each candidate's ability to grasp fundamental ideas, hold multiple thoughts simultaneously, articulate a reasoned argument, and actually listen to and retain multi-layered concepts on a wide range of issues that will require serious attention in the coming days. Elizabeth Warren relates a very telling story of the time when HRC sought out Warren's advice and expertise on a particular thorny issue. Her take away from the session was that, in spite of their many differences, HRC was by far the best student Warren had ever encountered in terms of her ability to deeply listen, retain information and then restate the various details of the concepts implicit in the instruction. This illustrates a level of intelligence hopefully most of us can agree is a necessary prerequisite for the job currently in question. If for no other reason, please compare the intellectual competency of the two applicants and soberly consider this factor when forming your final decision in November.

Trump in Perspective

In the recent past, with each hateful, mean-spirited, factually inaccurate, or self aggrandizing statement leaving the mouth of Mr Trump, part of me wants to lash out and respond with equal amounts of venom, anger, and outrage. Lately, however, my dominant perception is focused on how much pain I see in this man's face. I suspect this anguish is a result of the deep, internal feelings of utter worthlessness all classic narcissists experience when encountering the void at the center of their being. Unfortunately, this inner malaise has now been turned outward onto the world and becomes the responsibility of the larger community to help remedy.
So when you turn to the ballot box this Fall hopefully to repudiate the ugliness that has been unleashed upon the country and the world, please also remember, with compassion, the wounded psyche and soul of the fellow human being you are most ardently rejecting as a potential leader.

Play It a Bit Less, Uncle Sam

Some one asked me the other day if I thought it was a good idea to play the national anthem at all sporting event. My considered reply is that I would love to hear our beloved fight song only when an American team is playing in an international event...on an occasion when the team is to be distinguished from its opponent by virtue of nationality. Otherwise, it might be mistaken as a bit of jingoistic overreach ...I mean, when the Giants play the Dodgers I think we all have a pretty good idea that each team hails from the United States. Honoring individual nations at an international venue by playing each national anthem often results in a very stirring and dramatic moment. The emotional impact of the anthem increases in proportion to the frequency with which it is rendered. Most first-world countries are sufficiently secure with their sense of national identity and do not require incessant recitations of their national tune to otherwise rouse their patriotism.

More on Mr. Kaine

God help me, I know that I'll burn in hell at even higher temperature than I've already been assigned for saying this but I'm pretty sure that Tim Kaine still wears, when no one is looking of course, that tight fitting beanie with the propeller on top. I also suspect that he still shoots marbles, is inordinately proud of that special  steelie in his collection, attaches playing cards to his bicycle spokes, and regularly can be heard uttering the phrases: 'golly gee', 'gee willickers', and 'gee Mrs. Cleaver, that would be swell'.
God bless him for retaining that youthful aura. Meanwhile, I'm now certain to burn to a crisp!

Obama's Speech

Whatever one's political persuasion, only a hopelessly embittered cynic could deny that President Obama's speech at the Democratic Convention was a beautiful piece of oration which underscored the unity of all Americans under the banner of common values.
HRC will be well advised to employ the talents of the outgoing incumbent on her behalf throughout the remainder of this campaign. His ability to rally the middle of the political spectrum was nothing short of brilliant...she is extremely lucky to have this resource at her disposal.