Audacity

ATTITUDE

Actually the perfect word is chutzpah. But, I’m only borrowing the word from Yiddish minus any cultural or religious ramifications.
I’ve always been audacious while carefully walking that fine line of separation from outright foolhardiness. If we only do what is socially acceptable and politically correct, we are but lemmings awaiting a leader and a cliff.
In my role as Joe Citizen, I observe that uniquely American sport known as politics. I sit back and consider what it takes to motivate a person to actually announce a run for President of the United States of America.
Only a tycoon and celebrity like Donald John Trump can jump into this arena cold sans warm-up without experiencing disabling cramps. Others normally claim to have some unique contribution to offer that will move them from obscurity into the world spotlight.
I’m going to ignore the Democrat circus until their definite contender is chosen in Milwaukee next year. We’ll deal with that person once they are part of a binary choice.

FOCUS

My focus right now is upon the incumbent. There have been notable exceptions over the years to the custom of affording a sitting president an uncontested re-nomination by his political party. Ronald Reagan came close to pre-empting Gerald Ford in 1976, but we were subjected to four disastrous years of Jimmy Carter before The Gipper finally was elected in 1980.
Donald Trump surprised a lot of people in 2016 by winning the Electoral College over Hillary Clinton. He may very well prevail again in 2020. But I would suggest that his victory last time was bolstered by the give-and-take ~ well, mostly give and not so much take ~ that he had with other GOP hopefuls that campaign.
Had Trump been the only candidate for the Republicans, somewhat curiously known as the Grand Old Party, he probably could have debated himself on the major issues and lost as many as he won. So, to say now that re-election is ensured by the absence of a primary opponent, is rather short-sighted.

REACTION

The question is: Why do we ram our combat boots down the throat of everyone with the audacity to consider challenging Mr. Trump for the distinct honor and privilege of leading our country into more consistently conservative pathways?
I certainly do not think either Bill Weld or Joe Walsh is going to unseat the rich guy with the trophy wife that so many wannabes want to be. But, it is despicable to treat them like they are traitors for having the audacity to challenge the oh so privileged fellow who is used to always getting his own way.

PERSPECTIVE

We would all benefit, the USA would benefit, from more rather than less candidates for the GOP nomination this go around. I know Allen West is not going to do it as he has already announced that he wants to be Chairman of the Texas GOP. He can actually do a lot of good in that vital state if chosen for that position.
Nikki Haley is being totally political about what her own ambitions may or may not be in the foreseeable future. She has denied any interest in replacing Mike Pence as VP. But, it’s still a long shot that she would ever actually take on Trump for the top spot.
But, as long as we let the Regressives lead the charge to become POTUS 46, we are missing a golden opportunity to infuse some serious discussion of the issues into this campaign. President Trump should actually welcome multiple challengers for the GOP nomination. It would just give him the bully pulpit he so dearly cherishes. Unlike last time, he now has a track record to promote and defend.

CAMPAIGNING ≠ GOVERNING

Turning to a somewhat tangential concern, we in America should seriously consider what it takes to effectively govern this immense economy and diverse citizenry. What it takes to campaign effectively and win the election does not necessarily equate to what it takes to serve in the position to which elected, particularly when we are talking about President and Commander-in-Chief.
It takes a lot of money and a glib tongue to campaign nonstop for two years or more in our marathon national election system. If anything, we should probably consider a constitutional amendment limiting the Oval Office to one 6-year term. That way, there would be no distraction of worrying about re-election or humiliating defeat. Rather the office holder would have the ability to focus on the world-shaking tasks at hand.
As it is now, every first term President spends as much or more time on trying to get reelected as in doing the actual job. As as we talk about term limits for Senators and Members of Congress, let’s not stop short of Head of State.
But, even this still falls short of our ultimate dilemma. The one who campaigns best will not necessarily govern in an optimum manner.

WELL-INFORMED VOTERS ELECT BETTER LEADERS

The solution is not so much in coming up with better candidates. That is the long-term goal. But first, there needs to be a change in how the American electorate makes the crucial decision of whom to afford our votes.
If we keep having circus sideshows like the GOP debates in 2016 and the Democrat debates currently ongoing, the elephants and the donkeys are going to keep right on pooping all over the arena.
This is no longer the world of George Washington and his peers who bestowed upon us an unparalleled republic. Unless we get our academic and educational systems back in order and concentrate on the fundamental 3 R’s [Reading, wRiting and aRithmetic], we are going to continue down the slippery slide as we degenerate into a country of functional illiterates who get what we deserve in terms of inept politicians.
First, we as voters must have our priorities straight. Second, we must concentrate on the issues and avoid distractions. Third, we must elect leaders who can lead, not just those who tickle our fancy.
Easy to say. Now, let’s make it happen.
If you disregard or forget everything else I’ve said here, take this one to heart:
That singular element which has made America America is that no one is above reproach or criticism. Never abandon this sacred right which you would never be able to get back.

We are currently forming the American Conservative Movement. If you are interested in learning more, we will be sending out information in a few weeks.

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