Christopher Hitchens on the rise of Obamania

mirror.co.uk ^ | July 26, 2008 | Christopher Hitchens

[ashtanga]

I find it puzzling that we Americans rate our politicians more highly if they have the body language of a car salesman or reality TV host. It seems as if Brigit Bardot has more intestinal fortitude than the whole of the American electorate.

[ashtanga]

I have nothing but respect for McCain the man. As a politician, he seems, well, an internationalist, and a relativist who would fit right in at the local coffee shop. Why in the world does the concept of borders so offend the leaders of both parties?

[Alia]

LOL! Great post.

[Alia]

I also admire John McCain, the man. And having learned more and more about his policy positions and his vision, I'm admiring him as the next President, too.

Why in the world does the concept of borders so offend the leaders of both parties?

I'm not quite so sure the word "offend" really applies. When I lived in CA, in a very nice neighborhood; but yes, the houses were maybe 10-15 feet apart; too close, my home was positioned between two Democrat households. And when we would talk politics in my home, I had to regularly shhhh conversations. I wasn't worried about offending, I just didn't wanna start a neighborhood brawl; or of giving my neighbors any excuse to complain about my tree overhanging their yard, or that my cats sometimes used their land. In a word: Detente.

Now, I live in a place where my neighbors are both Dem and Repub. The biggest thing is, there's far more room between our homes; and therefore, a lot more give and take with regards to living besides each other.

This, to me, best represents the analogy of "borders", specifically with Mexico and Canada, and with the space between them metaphorically amounting to maybe 20 feet apart. It's too easy, being so close beside each other, for any excuse to be turned into a dust-devil have-at-it.

[Harrius Magnus]

How about a message such as...

It'd probably be more convincing if he believed half of what you wrote; I happen to agree with all of it.  Alas, I am party-less. 

[Blind Eye Jones]

Napoleon Bonaparte’s test for generalship was a very simple one. Of a man recommended by others for gallantry or fortitude or strategic genius he would inquire only: “But is he lucky?”

The insane asylums are filled with Napoleons and Messiahs... all of which are lucky buggers.

[reg45]

As Robert Frost said “Good fences make good neighbors.”

[Alia]

Well said, and true. Thank you!