By David Spataro Santa Monica
Autoschediastic is certainly not how I’d characterize the words I’m about to write. Indeed they are the product of much thought; a distillation from lengthy ruminations that occurred after reading a letter earlier this month. The letter, entitled “Ease up on Obama,” seemed gratuitously critical of Steve “The Mailman” Breen for being less than adulatory over the “anointed one,” Obama, darling of the media, and rockstar presidential candidate. Common sense almost dictates that any reasonable person impugn the motives of a candidate whose chameleonic changes on many issues smack of political expediency. Chronic vacillation invites cynicism, causing even concern among his followers. Despite gaffs he remains Le Dernier Cri, lustre undimmed. Who can deny his brilliance after an energy saving solution such as “inflate your tires.”
Just kidding, the last comment was an unsubtle charientism. However, Obama’s specious plausibility does take talent, so too his ability to assimilate and perfect the lessons of Chicago’s tough political pedagogics. As for easing up on Obama, why doesn’t he ease up with his coterie of strident mentors; the reverends who scream and fulminate from pulpits, in fact disengage himself from the whole ranting pack of America bashing fanatics who vent their spleen and antipathy on the U.S.A.
I agree with Mr. Owens on one point; the way one eats chicken does not make the man. But, I’ll tell you what does, in depth experience. Five years of torture in a North Vietnamese prison having your bones broken; being clubbed and stabbed by sadistic captors; and all the while you have the option of going home. Add to this years of commanding men; topped by a lengthy stay in the U.S. Senate. Obama is a good man, perhaps exceptional, but he is not ready yet. He needs time, experience, and new friends. McCain is ready. He should be, and hopefully will be a great president. He talks and walks the walk.
Originally published in the Santa Monica Daily Press print edition on August 21, 2008. Read the original PDF.