Random Rants-A Friday Feature
On The Question of Power
White House Chief of Staff, Rahm Emanuel said in an interview: "You never want a serious crisis to go to waste. And what I mean by that it's an opportunity to do things that you think you could not do before." (His grammar, not mine, click on link below.) This is the same Rahm Emanuel that sent a dead fish to a pollster who made him angry. According to a Time Magazine profile (link below) he: once worked for Mayor Richard M. Daley, was a member of the Clinton Administration and then went on to become an investment banker where he "got rich." My favorite, he sat on the board of Freddie Mac, a testament to his financial and managerial acumen...not.
Alexander Hamilton wrote in Federalist 15: Why has government been instituted at all? Because the passions of men will not conform to the dictates of reason and justice, without constraint. Has it been found that bodies of men act with more rectitude or greater disinterestedness than individuals? The contrary of this has been inferred by all accurate observers of the conduct of mankind;
We the People need to understand the character of those in power.
On the Question of Jealousy and Anger
The Rasmussen poll of September 22nd reported 59% say Americans are angrier now than under Bush. (link below)
John Jay wrote in Federalist 5: Distrust naturally creates distrust, and by nothing is good-will and kind conduct more speedily changed than by invidious jealousies and uncandid imputations, whether expressed or implied.
The rhetoric of this Administration needs to turn civil. And quick.
On the Question of Victory in Afghanistan
According to Fox News (link below), "President Obama has put securing Afghanistan near the top of his foreign policy agenda, but "victory" in the war-torn country isn't necessarily the United States' goal, he said Thursday in a TV interview."
Alexander Hamilton wrote in Federalist 11: The rights of neutrality will only be respected when they are defended by an adequate power. A nation, despicable by its weakness, forfeits even the privilege of being neutral.
This week I asked my college freshman how many had read the Declaration of Independence. About six had. One could cite the opening sentence. We need to know our history before we can learn from it.
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