2001 Soap Box Archives

Reverse of the Old Guard

In John Kennedy’s inaugural speech he spoke about a different kind of leader, born in this century, young and energetic with a new view of the way things should be done in politics. He was the first president we had ever had born in the twentieth century and was the first presidential candidate who’s looks and youth played such a vital part in his being elected. Before him, the presidents were mainly like Eisenhower, Truman and Roosevelt, men in their sixties, father figures who’s age was considered a plus, a sign of experience and wisdom. Kennedy and his administration of fresh faces made the old guard look old indeed and politics have never been the same since then. When Bill Clinton was elected in 1992 it was much the same effect. A young, handsome president and a slate of new talent versus Bob Dole, Strom Thurman and the rest of the perennialcast of characters who had so long been the flagship of the Republican party, and it was obvious from the get go that Clinton would bury Dole in the 96 election. When I saw George W. Bush’s speech to the joint session of congress the other night it seemed that the tables had turned. I thought that his speech was right on the money, a cut to the chase, easy to understand explanation of what his administration intended to do about education, social security, energy prices, tax relief and the beginnings of the recession which President Clinton left behind. The Democratic response was delivered by Senator Bonnier and Congressman Gephart and the result was much the same as it had been in ‘92 except that this time it was the Democrats who looked so old and out of touch. With them it was politics as usual, you people don’t know how to spend your money, send it to us and let us waste it on our pork barrel projects. Please don’t take the power out of our hands, we know what’s best for you, just trust us. These gentlemen came across as almost begging and looked just like what they are. Part of the old boy network which has dominated national politics for the last eight years. They are out of date, out of touch and hopefully out of time. There is a new breed of politician in congress these days, though in the minority, they will be heard from eventually. J.C. Watts from Oklahoma is like a breath of fresh air. Here is a young man who is not afraid to stand up and say what he believes in, God not withstanding. He’s brilliant and articulate and could well be our first serious african american presidential candidate. Business as usual won’t work anymore, if this nation is to continue to be the leader of the free world. There is a lot of baggage left over from the Clinton years. His reticence in facing the energy problem, his almost non existent foreign policy, the huge tax increase he left behind and a myriad of other things which will take years to remedy. It’s time we’re about the task, and I for one am overjoyed to see some new people in the driver’s seat.

What do you think?

God Bless America
Charlie Daniels