Jo’s Cafe

I love Thomas Sowell.  In his latest column, the “Washington Meat Grinder“, he talks about how our leaders are treated by the media and even those that loose to them in this day compared to other eras.

His main focus is on how Donald Rumsfeld was treated by the Washington elite and the media.  In reality, it shows to me a lack of character in these people.

Mr. Sowell gives an example of real character and honor:

… Wendell Wilkie received the largest vote of any Republican candidate for president when he ran against Franklin D. Roosevelt in 1940. But, after the elections were over, he did not spend his time trashing President Roosevelt. He in fact became an emissary from FDR to Prime Minister Winston Churchill.

The issue is not whether people should be nice to Donald Rumsfeld or even whether history will vindicate him or condemn him. The real issue is whether we can have responsible adult discussions of issues at a time when the fate of this nation hangs in the balance in its most dangerous hour, with reckless and hate-filled leaders in Iran and North Korea about to become nuclear threats.

No screaming, ranting, accusations, blistering lies, court hearings or personal attacks.  Mr. Wilkie accepted his loss, but for the love of his country, he moved forward in a different capacity.  That, people, is a real man.

I don’t know my feelings on Donald Rumsfeld, but like President Bush (who I like) and President Clinton (who I don’t like), the respect due them their office was lost on a lot of people in this country whose parents failed to teach them how to be respectful of people, yet disagree.

Mr. Sowell adds:

Washington has become a political meat grinder where character assassination is standard procedure. Clever and glib people say “If you can’t stand the heat, stay out of the kitchen.” But the far larger question is whether the country can afford to repel people who are desperately needed but who may have too much self-respect to let political pygmies smear their character.

Exactly.