Posted on 11/15/2004 4:43:32 AM PST by Chairman_December_19th_Society
A view shared by many in the ag industries. She hasn't been nearly strong enough in defending us against foreign govt. demands, she caved in and caved early. Unfortunately I believe she wants to stay.
Prairie
Your opening statement is always very good, but today's opening is SUPERB!!!!!
It was always my understanding that the resignations were a formality and that behind the scenes it was made known which ones were sincere; only those would actually be accepted.
I am in the small minority on FR that have felt that Colin Powell has done an outstanding job. I think most people simply don't understand the function of the office, just as they don't understand the function of the Senate Majority Leader position. Anyone who is put in either of those offices will behave in ways that will displease many on FR. Neither position is intended to be "Chief Head Knocker" but involves diplomatic and conciliatory efforts.
I'm in that minority with you, Kay. He has done remarkable things under horrific circumstances. He has been a complete team player, and I have nothing but respect for him.
He has served his nation well.
In addition, I agree that those who despise him don't understand the role of SoS. He has done it very well in what, arguably, is the most difficult time in American history.
I agree, most of the time. I view these positions as the individual who is suppose to extend their hand and seek resolution to problems.
It's just that many times they 'give' too much, too soon, in order to get things done. Sometimes I think they should just draw a line in the sand, dig their heels in and go to the press with the compromise. The problem is the press. They refuse to air our side.
About the media.........I think I'll be turning the TV off for the next couple of days until this dies down.
These talking heads make me crazy!
And I forgot to add: I thought the entire cabinent was expected to offer their resignations, too, at the end of the term.
I guess we were wrong.
Same here. I'm headed to HGTV. When they start painting the woodwork black, I'll switch to the cowboy channel.
A good MGM musical from the '30's is great therapy for talking head overdose. :o)
btw........Venneman's leaving too.
You know I'm in full agreement with you there ... LOL!
I suspect that all of them have tendered their resignations but the administration, anticipating the headlines in the media if that were announced, is wisely letting the word out in dribbles about the ones that are actually accepted.
While I'm ranting ~~~
... I also get tired of FReepers saying "Rudy would be great ..." or "Let's draft Condi ... " and other similar statements. Those people (and many others) have done a grand job in their positions ... but that doesn't mean they would do as well in all positions.
The talents and skills needed to do the job that Condi has done are not the same as those of the more political and public positions, up to and including the presidency. If she were to run, I would be overjoyed ... but I really don't see it happening.
Rudy was magnificent as mayor of NYC, even before 9/11 but particularly afterwards. But I don't want him as president. Though he's probably about as conservative a person as could be elected in NYC, he's too liberal for the nation as a whole.
More people need to read The Peter Principle and get an understanding that just because one excells in one area that doesn't mean that their capabilities extend to all areas of expertise.
And, now, sadly, playtime is over for me for a while. Need to start dealing with the problems of the day at the office ... and they are considerable ... *sigh*
LOL, because we're having our Thanksgiving Day a week early, the boys have begun putting up the main Christmas tree in the living room. They want to put up the stuff for the front door. We've always lit the tree on Thanksgiving day. My living rooms is strewn with decorations at the moment.
Good Morning All. Beautiful day in central texas.
bev, we live in a tiny, tiny town about 140 miles north of Houston. It's a place called Marlin. Our weather is different than Houston's.
I just heard FNC comment about Vennaman leaving from the TV in the kitchen as I passed thru.
Now,,,, who will replace her?
If you can believe the Ag SubCulture, Iowa is entitled to ONE high level appointment within USDA. 'Our' appt. couldn't get himself confirmed last time around, so we didn't have anyone in 'the cage'.
I have a friend in the Iowa Senate who is drooling, hoping for 'the call'. He certainly isn't strong enough, IMHO, to serve as SoA. But he's certainly an excellent sandbagger,,, if that's what they're looking for,,, he might be their guy.
I read somewhere on FR that it was only Nixon who wanted resignations from all cabinet members so he could decide who to accept them from. And that it isn't SOP.
Prairie
Thanks for the info on Veneman. I IM'd my "industry sources" (heh!) who say they are also hearing scuttlebutt. Will keep my ear to the ground and pass along any info/credible speculation I hear as to replacement.
Any theories?
Prairie
Just read your comments on replacements.
Good thought. I will put a call in to the folks I know in DC, see who they're thinking will replace her.
We can compare notes tonite,,, if they reply to us.
Mass messages sent out seeking info. Will report back when I hear.
Hi Chair and All! Chair, since you're in No. Virginia you may be aware of the funding raising effort by WMAL, our flagship talk station here in the Wash. DC area. They are raising money for Fischer House, a "Ronald McDonald" like set-up for the families of service members who have been wounded and getting treatment at Walter Reed or Bethesda Naval hospital. Most of these families can't afford the airline tickets or hotel stays to be with their loved one while undergoing treatment. And, it's such a blessing and a boost to our service men and women to have their family with them. Apparently the DoD only flys in family if the serviceman or woman is is "serious" condition - - but the DoD bureaucracy usually determines that if one of our poor military personnel has a hand or foot blown off, that's not "serious" enough to warrant paying for the family to come in. Hence, this is where the Fisher House comes in. Good charity. They're looking to raise $500,000 by the end of the year and have raised around $200K so far. May want to check out the station's web site and click on the line for Fisher House. http://www.wmal.com/
(end of commercial message :0) )
There won't be much info on the news. It's all about Powell.
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