George W's No-show

September 3rd, 2008

Showing up

George W Bush not showing up for his own convention is a telling example of our fearless leader unable to face the music. He has tried to do a better job this time Post Katrina with his visits in Gustav's wake to Louisiana; the coordination of federal state and local authorities, as well as the ownership of the local citizens in evacuating 1.9 million in such a short time is commendable... and a huge relief. However, it does not explain the President not showing up last night for what should be his role to pass the baton to the next generation of Republican leader - John McCain. He is an incumbant 8th year President, and yet he found a way to avoid what should have been his night. Is that character and leadership?

There will be those who say that John McCain could call the shots, and the more distance he gains from W the better, but that is not the protocol and not tradition. There is to my knowledge no example of a sitting president not attending the coronation of the new would-be king.

We have been lectured for 8 years about personal accountability in war from a President, Vice president and Defense Secretary who have never faced danger or a bullet. We have been told for 8 years that Democrats run from responsibility and throw their cares to the arms of Big Government. Yet it is this Republican party - starched, lilly white and older as it paraded its higher luminaries last night, that continues to spend its time attacking the Democrats and waving the American Flag and not for once saying they could have done anything better.

For once, don't you want to hear someone say, "We have learned a lesson we will not repeat"?

For once, I want to hear the fresh new face of this ticket, Sarah Palin, take on those same party elders at the national level the way she fought so courageously back in Alaska, and say we can do better!

For once, I want to hear the echo of Teddy Roosevelt say we will and have made mistakes, but we will never make the mistake of avoiding learning from them!

And for once, I want to hear a Republican say that those who disagree with them over the best choice for the country are not less American than they are.

Its tired, its old, and its not leadership.