Nice place for a chat.
So, I watched a bit of the Repub’s debate at the Reagan Presidential Library. The room was spectacular: Air Force 1 dominated the space, and the room was filled with people who are deeply engaged in the political process.
But…ugh…
I don’t know if I’m getting cynical in my old age, or if the politics of the political process is just so horribly ugly that I can hardly stand it, but these people all irritate me. The whole panel was filled with people in bad suits and really bad ties (I can help with that), too much hair product and plastic facial expressions. I could be wrong, but I don’t think they collectively had two brain cells they could rub together. It was depressing.
Captain Obvious analyzes the GOP debate...
Meanwhile, back at the Daily Planet...
Most of them should have been wearing their Captain Obvious costumes. Repeatedly, several of them said eye-opening, thought-provoking things like “We need a Homeland Security Department that really works”. No sh…kidding, Sherlock. Here’s another spectacular piece of thoughtful observation: “We need to have an economy that works.” Really? Ya think?
Ooh, look! It's Obvious Girl. She has brown hair. Obviously.
The canned phraseology, the broad generalizations, the repetitive talking points, the absolute refusal to directly answer the question put forth to them, the wandering off on their own rabbit trails…it was just…sad. Where are the Patrick Henrys? And no, people, Ron Paul is no Patrick Henry.
The inevitable effect of watching this: my mind started to wander. I began dreaming of the Perfect Presidential Candidate.
Thoughtful, and always a gentleman.
In my mind’s eye, he has the demeanor of Sidney Poitier. Physically, he’s a cross between Cary Grant, Patrick Stewart, and Clint Eastwood.
He is a reader, and reads a wide variety of books with themes like freedom, courage, integrity, honor and compassion. His bible is weathered, but treasured, and frequently read. He served with distinction and honor in the United States military. He loves Beethoven, Johnny Cash and Pink Floyd. He’s funny. He’s tough. He loves his mother. When he gives his word, it means something. He has a deeply personal, deeply meaningful relationship with God that people see but don’t hear unless they specifically ask. He has a favorite poet.
Go ahead, make my day.
He owns a gun. He has read, and he understands, the Constitution. He would not be caught dead in one of those dull grey two-button politician suits. He’s familiar with fine art, and appreciates a good steak. He believes that the glory of this country lies in the worth of each of her citizens, and the one way in which to continue our national greatness is to remove as many governmental hindrances to individual achievement as possible.
In short, my dream president is a political fundamentalist.
Not your typical politician
Prez Grant-East-Wart does things most politicians won’t, like look you in the eye and answer your question directly and honestly. He’s decisive. Politically, he’s conservative, which means republicans these days disgust him and the Tea Party rubs him the wrong way. His conservatism is not so fragile that he is unable to listen to or work with opposing viewpoints.
If only I could..."Make it so."
Dream Prez knows he, as the leader of the Federal Government, has no business sticking his nose into your personal life. He’s not going to tell you what to eat, how you choose to educate your children, who you can marry, what sort of car you should drive and how fuel-efficient said vehicle should be, where or when you can pray or to whom, whether or not you should be allowed to keep an iguana as a pet, or that your kid’s crib is illegal because the side panel goes up and down. He leans libertarian, but he understands that the federal government has a vital role, and that role is explicitly defined in the Constitution.
Consequently, his agenda consists almost solely of one task: eliminating ridiculous laws, policies, regulations, taxes, agencies, codes, committees, bureaus, task-forces, and bureaucracies.
Sigh…