Saturday, June 21, 2014

Three Times Lucky?

One of the unfortunate downsides of infrequent postings is that in the absence of new stuff, the last piece hangs out there fronting the site for as long as it takes. In terms of current status, the pic of Monica reclining on a couch has been in place since May 7th, and this photo, like every other aspect of the seemingly  unsinkable "Sphere of the Clintons", is, as supported by the New York Times, incredibly exhausting. Our apologies.

While the thought of Hillary becoming the next U.S. President is problematical from a political perspective, she couldn't possibly do worse than occupant of the White House. But the prospect of four years, if not more, of the daily media drivel of the continuing Clinton  saga, starring Bill, Chelsea, the new grandbaby and co-stars yet to be named, all overseen by Hillary channeling her parallel truth universe, is painful to contemplate.

So the question becomes, who would we rather see as president? While many people might be tempted to answer, "anybody", the question requires deeper consideration, especially if we envision that this country will be in when Barry finally leaves town. And, arguably, this exercise in collective soul searching applies to voters of all stripes.

Recently Mitt Romney has been touted as a possible candidate. As much as we would like to see Mitt run, I'm not sure that he and his family could withstand the process for a third time. And Mitt was our man last two times around. This would be a lot to ask of anyone.

But given the current condition of the U.S. Government, we clearly need someone capable of putting the house in order. Before introducing any more grand schemes, the new president must take the necessary steps to regain fiscal control. And we should not  dismiss the concept that the first step to solving a problem is admitting that the problem exists. The budgeting process, not continuing resolutions, must be re-introduced and government spending brought into line with the runaway deficit. Federal Agencies, starting with the Justice Department must be brought to heel. Organizations like the IRS, the VA Homeland Security, Border Control, and even the recently-politicized U.S. Patent Office, all must be brought back to their basic mission. The President cannot do this all alone. The Cabinet, and senior administrative positions, must be filled with capable managers that are able to execute in accordance with specific directives. Can we say "delegate"?

Lacking a president who would at least make a forceful attempt at restoring a significant measure of fiscal and administrative sanity, especially if we hire another Progressive, not hindered by reality, the outlook is bleak indeed.

If Mitt could see his way clear to  run, there might be a possibility of fulfilling the "three times lucky" proverb. But the luck would be ours as much ours as Mitt's. If not Mitt, then who?.........Exactly.