We had a bit of fun in last week's posting, as I didn't feel like weighing in with instant analysis done by everyone else. There is no question that the tectonic plates in the political world are shifting to the right. In almost every demographic the Democrats fell back significantly and in nearly historic proportions. There is little question that the electorate is fed up with politicians who they feel don't listen to them; don't respond to their priorities - jobs and the economy right now trump everything. The economic meltdown shook the confidence of the American people. The bail-outs of the Wall Street firms and the bonuses of their executives enraged them.
Can Barack Obama recover in the next 18 months? Based on those numbers, you'd have to say 'no'. However, one of the most potent tools a politician has is the quality of his opponents. So, if the Republicans can show focus and discipline, and avoid doing and saying outlandish things, they have a real chance, with a strong candidate, to make the 2012 election a true revolution. Following his 1994 drubbing, Bill Clinton was blessed by the Newt Gingrich-led Republican's virtual shutting down of the U.S. government, throwing them offside with the American public. Clinton began to look, well, Presidential, and turned the tables on Gingrich. One Republican Congressman, however, has just mused about doing that very thing. Ah...the importance of remembering the past, right?
What we Remember
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| Remembering our Veterans |
As some may recall from last year's post, I have a soft spot for our Veterans (my dad was an R.A.F. veteran in the war) but as a parent one can't help but think about the reality that so many of them were as young as 18 or 19 with their whole lives ahead of them. Their sacrifices were almost always far from home in other people's countries.
A fabulous singer whom I'm proud to say I know- John McDermott - does such a phenomenal job with The Green Fields of France that I thought I'd post it again. If that doesn't bring a tear to your eye, and pause to consider what's really important in life, then what would?
Following through in Afghanistan
By the way, I'm pleased to see that Defence Minister Peter MacKay and the Government of Canada is reconsidering the complete withdrawal of all troops from Afghanistan in 2011 to leave 600 to 1000 troops in a strictly training role with the Afghan army in Kabul. That, I believe, is the appropriate way to ensure that the sacrifices made by the 152 soldiers and their families will not be for nothing and can help ensure meaningful peace and protection of the civil society rebuilding Afghanistan. It's clear they would get Opposition support for it.
Conan O'Brien Re-Emerges
As with a lot of people I'm happy that Conan O'Brien is back on the air - well basic cable anyway. The key for him will be not to compare himself to David Letterman or Jay Leno. Rather his reference point is Jon Stewart and Stephen Colbert. [Stewart has already been edging out both Letterman and Leno of late.] Starting at 11 p.m. on TBS will be an added bonus as he gets a jump-start on everyone else. [Although CTV is delaying his show until 1:00 as they are already committed to.....The Daily Show and the Colbert Report.] He has already proven that he knows how to use the twitter-verse to create a community around him - something that neither of the traditional show hosts have been able to accomplish.
However, it might serve TBS's PR people to sort out that confounded thing called Daylight Savings Time. Monday night they sent out his opening monologue a full hour before he ended up delivering it!
Although Conan's Cold Opening was classic.
Until next time......
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