"Most people have little or no confidence in the honesty or morality of Clinton. He's no better than many of our and Britian's past leaders and he's no worse in that respect. Most people do, however, have a tremendous respect for his ability to influence world leaders, connect to the people on the street throughout the world and to outthink almost anyone. If we have a chance to elect a president with those talents in a time of crucial need again, then he would easily defeat a simplistic, easily influenced and pedestrian thinker like Bush; especially after he'd proven, as Bush has, that he is virtually incompetent in making his "vision" a reality."
I totally agree with this analysis. We all have our personal stories and insights on the situation in which we find ourselves. One of mine involves an old law school classmate who has been an american diplomat for over thirty years. While he is a mid-level drone (using his own term), and not a name anyone would know, he has served in several European capitals under four administrations, beginning with Reagan. He and I got together for dinner the other night for the first time in years. This guy is pretty darn conservative, always has been...and while I don't know his choice in Presidential elections (and he wouldn't tell me if I asked), I suspect he has leaned Republican. Well, if he could have added his name to that recent list of former diplomats and military leaders challenging our present strategy, he would have. I have never seen the guy so angry and frustrated over what he sees as the tearing down of decades of alliance bulding. He was no fan of Clinton, but said under that administration the value of Europe's influence and the hundreds of years of diplomatic skill they bring to any situation was at least respected. Then, when disagreement occured, diplomats engaged or disengaged in a manner which allowed the underlying alliance to stay intact. Now, he says, all of this is severely damaged due to the arrogance and inability of the Bush Administration to listen....not necessarily to accept other views, but just to listen to them. Now, according to my friend, we cannot be "trusted" on certain formerly given assumptions, and this goes to the core of how nations deal with each other.
He is considering retirement soon. I was sorry to see this. I asked if he was any great fan of what he knew of Kerry and he said no, but...at least it would be a change, and a change is needed. Who he really wants is McCain.
I suspect that desire might be quite widespread. |
