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Saturday, 12 August 2006
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It’s the Party, Stupid!
Contributed by The Gray Dog
I’m wondering if anyone was awakened last night from the ‘shockwaves’ that emanated from somewhere on the East Coast. Seismologists were uncertain of the epicenter, with various sources citing Connecticut, Washington D.C. or the New York Times as the source of these momentous tremors. Instead of shockwaves, I discerned a rather warm gust of wind blowing from the East as pundits of all ilk proclaimed yesterday’s ‘stunning’ Connecticut primary election results in the most bellicose string of adjectives I’ve heard since August of 1970. No, it wasn’t another election. It was my basic training TI attempting to convey to my squadron, just how low we were on the ecological scale. But, I digress. Poor Joe Lieberman. The very same people that were his friends, supporters and colleagues two days ago, have now formed a ritualistic ring of support around the new poster child for MoveOn.org. (Ned, Ted, Vlad SomethingOrOther). Whether this election was a ‘defining moment’, ‘a grassroots victory’ or a ‘message to other Democrats’ depends on which shriek is attaining the highest decibel level for the moment. Democrats and Republicans are spinning this event for all it’s worth. And, why not? After all, this was an election that was decided by just over .03% of the American public. Yes, three out of every ten thousand Americans have redefined and redirected the very essence of American politics. Joe Lieberman deserves our momentary sympathy. Who among us has not felt the sting of betrayal of those we once thought were our friends? Yet, don’t waste too many tears for old Joe, as it is well within his ability to retain his Senate seat in the general election this November. I for one hope he does. Not because I admire his courageous stand for America’s defense in the face of strong Democratic opposition (which I do admire him for), but because I hope his candidacy will be the beginnings of a new American political movement. The End of the Two Party System. Before the dust of the big quake had settled, and Lieberman had announced his formation of the “Connecticut for Lieberman” party, ‘Democratic leaders’ were urging Joe to back off. While in a typical non-statement statement, Hilary Clinton resisted the all out call for Joe to not run, instead appealing to him to “search his conscience and decide what is best for Connecticut and for the Democratic Party.” Who could resist such a plaintiff cry? I could almost hear Joe screaming, “Beat me! Whip me! Make me write bad checks!” It also gives me a new appreciation and understanding of how Bill was so effective in biting his lower lip and producing the hint of a tear in his eye. I have always voted Republican. There was no other choice. But I am no longer deluded in the belief that they serve my cause. Instead, I am certain that they just dance to the tune of a different breed of lobbyist. Perhaps I should just cut out the middlemen and support the right corporations and foundations. Unfortunately, too many of them are impossible to research or understand. They hide behind a shroud of secrecy that is often impossible to pierce. Let no one doubt that the two party system is an equal opportunity system of corruption. Joe may win the general election, but he will be shut out by the Dems and cautiously tolerated by the Republicans. He will not have the benefit of a defined Party apparatus to help guide PAC money to his war chest, and he will have to sit in the senate dining room with “Jumpin’ Jim” Jeffords as his only lunch companion. If this is the road Senator Lieberman has chosen, then I for one will support him. I don’t agree with most of his policy, and in normal circumstances could never support a former running mate of ‘Algore.’ Yet, I am hopeful that this 21st Century version of “Mr. Smith” may turn out to be the real deal. If you should win in November, Joe, and prove to be a leader unencumbered by party affiliations and lobbyists dollars, I pledge to no longer wear my “Sore Loserman” T-shirt from the 2000 Presidential campaign. Instead I will sell it on E-Bay to help fund your next re-election. |
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Contributed by The Gray Dog on August 12, 2006 at 01:31 PM in , , , , , | Comments Posted by: "Best of Old War Dogs." I'll feature it tomorrow afternoon. Posted by: | Aug 9, 2006 8:49:47 PM Posted by: I had to read that twice and go back and look at your bio to realize we were at Lackland at the same time. I got there the first week of August 1970. "Road Guards in and Road Guards out!" Oh, to be young again. Posted by: | Aug 10, 2006 2:36:51 AM Posted by: My DOE was 7/31/70 and I arrived at Lackland in the early morning hours of 8/1/70. Our TI was TSgt Shipley. We were his last training flight before his retirement. He tried to be tough on us but I think he was a little emotional about leaving the AF. For that reason we probably had it a lot easier than most. He actually teared up as our bus left Lackland for Sheppard AFB. While I certainly don't recall every name form basic, its quite possible you were in our sister flight. Nice to know you were a 'Rainbow' from the same era. Posted by: | Aug 10, 2006 5:46:00 AM Posted by: WOW! That is the best analysis I have seen yet on the Lieberman primary. Posted by: | Aug 10, 2006 6:55:32 PM Posted by: SteveGardner Excellent call on Joe .I hope your visionary look at what Joe could accomplish comes true. You are absolutely correct in saying we need to say goodbye to the two party system. Let's put an independent in position to make a difference in our future.GO JOE!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Posted by: SteveGardner | Aug 10, 2006 7:19:09 PM Posted by: SteveGardner Excellent call on Joe .I hope your visionary look at what Joe could accomplish comes true. You are absolutely correct in saying we need to say goodbye to the two party system. Let's put an independent in position to make a difference in our future.GO JOE!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Posted by: SteveGardner | Aug 10, 2006 7:19:28 PM Posted by: SteveGardner Excellent call on Joe .I hope your visionary look at what Joe could accomplish comes true. You are absolutely correct in saying we need to say goodbye to the two party system. Let's put an independent in position to make a difference in our future.GO JOE!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Posted by: SteveGardner | Aug 10, 2006 7:19:38 PM Posted by: Jim Bartimus You have a keen eye for politics Gray Dog. I'll never understand why the Lib's throw their own overboard. Posted by: Jim Bartimus | Aug 12, 2006 9:07:54 AM |