Iowa Debate 2012

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Dad I
(by R.P.Edwards)

As a little lad
I thought it sad
That daddy watched the news
I thought it dull
To sit and mull
While talkers talked the blues
Now here am I
So far from spry
But something’s taken hold
I stay up late
And watch debate
I guess I’m getting old

It was waiting for me.  Somewhere near the top of the list the Iowa debate from a couple days ago.  I knew it was there, but I was detained and drained, but now…for fun…I’ll watch it.

Ok, I “watched” it.  After whipping up some pancakes, and with momma out of the house, I reclined on the bed and watched the eight presidential wannabees face off.  Those in attendance were, former governors Tim Pawlenty, Mitt Romney and Jon Huntsman; Congressfolk Michele Bachmann and Ron Paul; former speaker Newt Gingrich; former senator Rick Santorum, and business guy, Herman Cain.  And, not in attendance, but a presence none-the-less, Texas Governor Rick Perry.  Now, I really did watch it.  Even took notes. And only dozed off about five times (for a moment or two, rewinding to regroup).  But, I just don’t feel like tediously expounding (there are plenty of other expounders about).  So, I’ll summarize with a poem.

The Gist of the List
(by R.P.Edwards)

Pawlenty and Bachmann
Duked it out
Ron Paul’s posse
Gave a shout
Cain knows more
Than he knew before
Santorum said,
“Give me the floor!”
Newt was grouchy
That was clear
Huntsman, huh?
Should he be here?
Mitt was cool
In his tailored suit
All had come
Their horns to toot
They spoke of how
They’d save the farm
Fixes for
Obama’s harm
Traditional marriage
Babies worth
America’s place
On planet earth
Then they were asked
Of Perry’s plan
Of how they viewed
The Texas man
Then one and all
With tepid grin
Said
“The water’s fine
Just step on in!”

And again, my assessment?  I’d take any one of them over the current occupant of the white house.
_____

One more thing.  The previous post shares some family happenings this week.  Thanks for the messages of sympathy.  Also, it just so happens that in my Bible reading I was slowly cruising through the Old Testament book of Ecclesiastes.  Here was a verse that stood out (appropriate, I thought).

“It is better to go to a house of mourning than to a house of feasting, because that is the end of every man, and the living take it to heart.” (Ecclesiastes 7:2)

At the funeral of my father in law there was an abundance of tears and tender hearts.  The minister, as many ears were open,  wisely reminded these that there was also a coming “end” for each, and that the proper preparation for the inevitable involves a personal reaching to the way maker…Jesus Christ.  I invite the reader also, for a moment, to pause and consider your individual end (it‘s not that far away).  And, if considering brings unction, click on the section titled, “Of first Importance” in the upper right corner.

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The Magnificent Seven 2011

The Debate
(by R.P.Edwards)

Pawlenty had some pointers
Santorum had his say
Romney made a go of it
Bachmann made some hay
Gingrich pearled some wisdom
Cain spoke plain…like Paul
And ‘gainst the current president
I’d choose…“them”
One…and all

The people were oppressed, fearful, impoverished.  O, they weren’t lazy, they worked hard. Real hard.  But, just when they started to get ahead; live the “dream,”…then Big Brother would violently butt in and take “their” money, and redistribute and waste it!  Well, they needed help, so these “peasants" sought out “the seven”; seven fighters who would stand up to the bully and end his reckless reign.

I’m talking, of course, of the Republican Debate in New Hampshire the other night.  But, I suppose the promo could also be used for the classic movie, The Magnificent Seven.  Of the movie, it’s worth a look.  Came out in 1960.  Star studded (Brynner, McQueen, Wallach, Coburn, Bronson, Vaughn) with a wonderful soundtrack by Elmer Bernstein.  The music is classic “cowboy,” it was later used for Marlboro cigarette commercials (if I recall correctly) and maybe, of late…for steak.  Anyway, it’s great.  Here’s a you tube link; it will make the reading…more palatable.   Theme  (Click it, open a new tab, and come back)

Of the debate: I saw a rebroadcast (that work thing again).  And…I have hope.  Sure, I don’t agree with all these folks in all their ways.  Sure, some have baggage, quirks, questions.  But, unequivocally, I’d take any one of them over the current resident of the White House (of course, Huckabee for VP would bring balance to the ticket [c’mon Gov!])

A couple notes: The moderator, CNN guy John King, did a good job.  However, I found it amusing that he emphasized that “this” debate, unlike others, would use the “honor system.” No “bells, whistles, or flashing lights.” Just a gentle prod from the director, now and then.  However, those gentle “ahem” type cues were numerous and annoying.  Kind of reminds me of the whole “we’ll sit down and talk, and all be friends” kind of thing.  Good in theory.  But next time…bring on the bells and whistles.

Now, for the word of the day… “Fecklessness.” Provided by Rick Santorum after a New Hampshire truck driver, Greg Salts, asked why we couldn’t get rid of some of the unnecessary military bases, to help pay down the debt.  Part of the former senator’s reply is as follows:

“What we’re dealing with is a failure of leadership…He (President Obama) has turned his back on American allies and he has embraced our enemies. Our enemies no longer respect us; our friends no longer trust us; and we have a foreign policy that, unfortunately now, we’re probably going to need more of a presence because we’ve created such a vacuum, thus all of the contingency operations that you’ve seen here as the result of America’s fecklessness in dealing with the threats that confront us.” 

Hear! Hear! Mr. Rick.  And to “the seven”….ride on, ride hard, ride to restore freedom, liberty, ...America.

 Feckless

(by R.P.Edwards)

Feckless
Is reckless
Feckless’
A fool
Flailing
And floundering
Flunking
Life’s school
So add to your learning
The learning of “wise”
Or 

You’ll just be feckless
In everyone’s
eyes 

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