Peggy Noonan, the woman who put so many elegant words in the mouth of Ronald Reagan as his speechwriter, has produced
an impressive column that is worth taking a moment to read.
She ends the thoughtful piece with a discussion of the infighting that is taking place in conservative publications as various people rebel against the "new vulgarization in American politics." She closes by writing, "They bitterly attacked those who came to stand against the Bush administration. This was destructive. If they had stood for conservative principle and the full expression of views, instead of attempting to silence those who opposed mere party, their movement, and the party, would be in a better, and healthier, position."
She has hit the proverbial nail on the head. The party is not the grand principal. We've seemingly lost our ability in this great country of ours to have rational discussion of policy. McCain's campaign has come to represent the divisive politics that has torn our nation apart philosophically, has lead to gridlock in the Congress and left a feeble president virtually ignored and powerless as he waits out his final days in office.
Once again, I'd like to salute you guys for taking part in a respectful discussion of the issues in this forum. I wish we had more venues for discussion of this sort and less of Noonan's vulgarization.