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 They are out of date, out of touch and hopefully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.
Pray for our
troops.
What do you
think?
God Bless America
Charlie Daniels
©Copyright
The Charlie Daniels Band