GOP, This Can't be the Face of Leadership! By Jim Bowman

[Fay Dickson-- AKA doofs]

I’m sorry but if Lindsey Graham represents what today’s American conservative expects in a leader, our days are numbered.  As a matter of fact, he is just one of many who would best serve our Country by opting for retirement.

Concerning this Republican stampede of candidates, I sense that a theory, a possible explanation may help our understanding.  It all reverts back to the election and subsequent re-election of the draft dodging Bill Clinton.  Add skirt chasing to his accomplishments and viola, the opposition equates the Clinton example as the new and revised Presidential yardstick.

Although sad, this is a plausible reflection from those eight embarrassing years.  And Graham himself seems willing to carry on Clinton’s dalliances as he recently stated that since he is divorced, he would have rotating “first ladies.”  Hopefully, this off color statement was his attempt at comic relief.  All the same, this attitude seems as a spin off to the Clinton escapades, which slandered our Presidential image while lowering future public expectations.

So, as we wallow in this early campaign slush of hopeful wannabes, it might behoove us wander back and consider words from a time when more substantial factors entered into filling the Oval Office; rather than just being wooed by “good ole boy” charm or from striving to elect a “first.”

James Madison said on June 20th, 1788 at the Virginia Ratifying Convention: “…But I go on this great republican principle, that the people will have virtue and intelligence to select men of virtue and wisdom.  Is there no virtue among us?  If there be not, we are in a wretched situation…To suppose that any form of government will secure liberty or happiness without virtue in the people, is a chimerical idea.  If there be sufficient virtue and intelligence in the community, it will be exercised in the selection of these men.”

image: http://cdn1.eaglerising.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/08/RINO-...

This condition of responsible citizens electing virtuous leaders seems out of sorts with today’s highly sensitized electorate but one thing is certain; it details the deterioration of standards and personal assessments over time.

Way back in 1788, Madison assigned that total responsibility with his, “is there no virtue among us?”  Well, is there, but more importantly, can we confront that question with today’s convoluted thinking?

http://eaglerising.com/19748/gop-this-cant-be-the-face-of-leadershi...