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Reconsidering My Ridicule

August 14, 2009 on 5:24 am | In National Political | No Comments

I was among the many who ridiculed George Bush for his “Compasionate Conservative” label. I found it a little cloying and a little whimpy. In retrospect, I was rash. Now a new day has dawned at the White House and suddenly I am beginning to see what G W was talking about.

I suspected that candidate Obama was cold- his attitude toward his relatives- brothers in trouble abroad- an elderly aunt living in a hovel here. Even the tone in his voice when he spoke of his grandmother was chillingly lacking. Yet, I told myself, “he’s compartmentalizing. He’s overwhelmed by the campaign.”

I no longer think that. His attitude toward humanity is indeed cold and utilitarian. His glib folksiness does not conceal this. He is goal-driven and his policies reflectan undaunting drive that humanity’s value is reflected solely in any human’s contribution toward achievement of his goals. Take away someone’s car dealership- destroy their liife and livelihhood. Give it to someone else- selected by one of your cronies. No expression of concern or regret. The words he uses, his tone of voice and guestures, the background and temprament of the people around him (not to mention the suggestion of so-called death panels) all indicate the cold dispassionate liberal utilitarian that he is.

Conservatives who do not wait for government to care for their fellow man do care and do give. The paradigm has reversed on its axis. Today, infants, born and unborn, the handicapped, the disabled, chronically ill and the elderly must turn to conservatives for compassion.- sjm