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 Editorials | November 2005 
Ozzie vs. Bush
 Peter Wells Scott - PVNN
| | I. Lewis 'Scooter' Libby, Vice President Dick Cheney's former chief of staff, center, leaves the U.S. District Court, Thursday, Nov. 3, 2005, in Washington. Libby pleaded not guilty Thursday in the CIA leak scandal, marking the start of what could be a long road to a trial in which Cheney and other top Bush administration officials could be summoned to testify. (AP Photo/Haraz N. Ghanbari) |
There are certain lessons that fat cats and fat heads have trouble learning. In fact, it is almost impossible. Like trying to fit into size 34" shorts when your stomach measures 46". We have all been there. Every president, it seems, hits a wind tunnel during his second term that puts him on the brink of destruction. Or is it self destruction.
The clearest example, perhaps, is the case of Richard Milhouse. He was caught in so many lies that they began to double up on him. His denial, "I am no crook" came too late and lacked the persuasion of an honest man. It earned him a one way ticket from Andrews Air Force base to Whittier.
Clinton almost earned himself the same fate, although impeachment failed in the Senate. "I didn't have sex with that lady." Then we scramble for a definition of sex. George H.W. Bush was spared humiliation, possibly because of his incompetence during his first and only term.
His son is heading into a headwind that defies description. Latest polls show that the American people view him as basically dishonest, incompetent, and has no clear plan for America's health. The very best that he can do is to bring in new blood into his administration, bring in new programs and change his hat size.
He currently has only one hat and that is a size 8. It completely dwarfs what is inside his head. What comes out is smoke and mirrors. That carries very little benefit for the American people. He keeps going back to a record whose grooves are worn thin.
"Going back to basics" when there are no basics is a sad tune. Overwhelmingly the American people think that going in to Iraq was a mistake. Bush proclaiming "Bring 'em on" has resulted in more than 2000 military deaths.
The Chicago White Sox have not seen a World Series since 1917. Until this year. Their manager should be voted the man of the year. Not sure that he has the qualifications to be President, but I am equally unsure of the person that is in there. Consider Ozzie.
Born of humble beginnings in Venezuela, his foremost training for the job of White Sox manager was a stint as third base manager for the Florida Marlins. His foremost qualification is his humility. Having won 11 of the last 12 games in the season, including the final World Series victory, he didn't run to the pitcher's mound with the rest of his team. He quietly stood behind third base, desiring to show his opposing manager respect.
Would Bush have done that? Absolutely not. His landing on the carrier under the banner "MISSION ACCOMPLISHED" was showmanship of unmitigated gall. Bush is bush league. He cannot manage his players anywhere near what Ozzie showed that he can do. Ozzie managed his players with utmost acumen. Bush manages his players with his eye on the political consequences, the ratings, and his personal benefit.
Certain lessons are born in humble beginnings. Yale and Harvard Business have not garnered these lessons for President Bush. The result is a mess, and three more years of the same is a mantle the American people don't deserve. There is no genius to reiterating the same rah rah which has not worked in the past. Ozzie for president? Perhaps not. But he won't be impeached either. His pants and his hat fit perfectly, thank you. |
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