Letters to the Editor
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The Ten Whitest Men in America
The Ten Whitest Men in America
On 5/3/07 the Republicans held their first ’08 presidential debate. It was expected to be and it was self-serving, political, partisan and consistent with the “new normal” rules of ethical behavior followed by politicians – filled with untruths and half-truths. As long as Americans tolerate this behavior, this is all they can ever expect to get.
However, in the midst of this behavior Mitt Romney stood out among these ten white men when he expressed his disdain for Senators Reid and Clinton, and for Speaker of the House of Representatives Pelosi by saying, “…nothing would be worse than the gang of three…running the war in Iraq.” Setting the record straight is important. Romney has conveniently forgotten about the gang of five – Bush, Cheney, Wolfowitz, Rumsfeld and Pearle who championed the rush to war and who have run this mismanaged war the past 4 years. They have run this war right into the ground burying 3350 American troops.
In their zeal to resurrect the GOP patron saint, the ten white men all conveniently forgot Iran-Contra, the invasion of Granada and the cut-and run from Lebanon after 200 American troops were killed. These actions taken in Lebanon did not by Republican logic support the troops nor did they honor their ultimate sacrifice. Time, politics and distorted memory must make hypocrisy acceptable.
The debate as expected offered little to understanding or clarifying the positions of the candidates on the important issues for Americans. But, the debate spoke loudly and clearly about the strategies and tactics to come. The ’08 presidential campaign will be one of convenient memories, questionable truths, apologies for misspeaking and doing anything that is deemed necessary to do-in the opponent. America has come a long way in its downward spiral from greatness. The question is how much further will the American people allow it to go?
Dr. Saul B. Wilen is CEO, International Horizons Unlimited [www.intlhorizons.com, (210) 692-1268] an educational consulting and resources consortium. Dr Wilen is a recognized authority in prevention strategies and problem solving.