It was never my intention in writing this blog to slag democrats. I am one and I abhor many of the planks in the Republican platform (though I have some sympathy for the almost-extinct old line true fiscal conservatives, not the know-nothings, zealots, haters, boogedy-boogedys, social warriors or the rest of the AM radio cavalcade).
So, I’m surprised that the news items that fire me up the most are ones about democrats. I feel like I should articulate a viewpoint that counters the failings of the lesser among us. In general, it’s not their politics that I disagree with, but their methods, arrogance and incompetence. I can’t stand Nancy Pelosi because she can’t look at a camera and explain her (or my) point of view. Of course I bemoan the soundbyte era along with everyone else. I wish we had a better level of discourse, but we don’t. Any professional politician, no less the speaker of the house of representatives should understand this. She gets that deer in the headlights look that makes even her own supporters nervous.
So why am I upset that Kennedy is apparently being considered for the post? She’s not a bad public speaker. She supports good causes and all, but beyond that, what are her qualifications? I have no idea if she’s qualified and neither do any of the citizens of New York. That makes her unfit for appointment by fiat to any post above mayor of Syracuse. She’s worked at the periphery of the party and stayed away from public life. That’s no disqualification from public office in my book, but it is for appointment to it with no resumé. Her name and legacy should count for nothing. We can be a party of dynasty but not of nepotism. Neophytes connected or not should have to prove their worth and face the electorate.
Andrew Cuomo is a hack and does not deserve the post either. Give me Harry Waxman, Robert Leahy or Diane Feinstein. Give me Paul Wellstone. Give me Russ Feingold.
I’ll settle for Caroline Maloney.
Edit: Updated. I replaced the title with the one I should have used from the start and removed an unfair swipe at our future senator.
