Here's where I am.
Submitted by dion_nizzi on July 2, 2007 - 5:33am.
I'm waiting.
I thought it was patiently at first, but my opinion has changed.
I was doing a bit of late spring, now, early summer cleaning.
I came across an old copy of "American Son" and slapped it in the DVD player for old times sake.
It didn't take long before I realized that really, in the 4 years or so since it was produced...absolutely nothing has changed for me.
Watching the dog and pony show that is going on now with the '08 field of candidates has made me realize what a sorry situation we are truly facing. It made me realize how truly lacking we are in regard to leadership in this country.
People right now are looking at all the wrong people for all of the wrong reasons. We have a Senator from New York who is trying to be all things to all people without ever really being true to who she is. We have a Senator from Illinois who might be well intentioned, but is as personally caught up in the web of the cult of personality as those who are encouraging him to run are. There is not nearly the experience and fortitude there as is needed in this trying time, but the candidate is so impressed with his persona and charisma, true leadership is a second thought. We have another north eastern Senator who so is fond of his own voice and other peoples ideas that it is impossible for him to really create any new ideas of leadership, a South western governor who is filled with a wonderful resume built on the footwork of others, another Representative that is so far out of the mainstream that his ideas simply cannot take hold, no matter how brave and commonsense they are. Then there is the empty suit one trick pony who would have had a hard time being re-elected to the Senate if he chose to, as opposed to thinking he could be President or Vice President based on his well coiffed follicles and single minded two Americas rhetoric.
And all the while, sits our General, off on the sidelines. A clear case of true leadership. A brilliant mind made stronger by a true sense of patriotism and concern for country over self. A man who understands real life issues in a real life experience. A brilliant mind accompanied by a compassionate soul, compounded by a true understanding of the issues this country...and world face. And the infrastructure, if handled right, to mount an incredibly strong campaign and be in the top tier fund raising wise.
A true leader, the thing this country needs most right now, and has needed for the past six years.
And we wait. For whatever reason. Political opportunity. For a book to come out. For the voters of this country to get tired of the current crop of candidates and to possibly look for another alternative down the road. Whatever reason it might be, we wait. And we wait. And we bite our tounges hoping the announcement might come soon and we can get to the job of introducing this man to as many people we can, hoping we can help people understand the things we see in him and how perfect this man is for the times and issues we are all facing now.
I'm getting tired of waiting.
We need Wes Clark NOW. We need his voice in the debate...no matter how few may be listening. We need to hear him NOW. The biggest obstacle we face is people not knowing what Wes Clark has to say... how he would lead this country... how he can save this country.
You know he's capable of doing it...I know...and he knows. It's time we let America know and the only way we can do that is for General Clark to stand up and proudly say...."I'm the man for the job."
Enough of waiting for the book tour. Enough of MSNBC exposure. We need Wes NOW. To stand up and say, I'm running for President because I'm the only person out there who has the intelligence, the experience, the real life contacts to do what must be done.
I don't care if Wes Clark is an accomplished author...or a successful military analyst, a philanthropist, an anti-Iran war crusader....
I want Wes Clark as my President. It's high time we focus on that...and that alone.
Gert Clark once reminded us that this is not about one person; that is probably true. Maybe somewhere, some place, there are others with the knowledge, skills, and values, to step into these turbulent times and bring that desperately needed healing balm. However, for now, those leaders have not appeared.
So here I sit. I've read and listened to General Clark for a long time now, and I have also listened to the words of those who believe that they, they, they, should get America's votes and what they have to say. The difference between those who grab the spotlight on the debate stage and what I now understand to be a true leader is a gulf wider than the widest sea. I'm spoiled. I've seen and heard a leader; there's no fooling me.
Not being drawn to jumping on fancy bandwagons, my waiting is tolerable although the breaking news can make it painful as well. With each death, with each report of failing schools and markets, and with each political scam, my heart sinks. But what to do?
I cannot ask anyone to enter into what passes for a political campaign in America, what Al Gore's son called a poisonous atmosphere. I may be spoiled but I'm not cruel. If heeding the call looks futile from Wes Clark's front porch, then I wish him peace. I'll just squint my eyes against the glare of the glitz to study that distant horizon looking for a leader. At least I now know what I'm waiting to see.
You have not converted a man because you have silenced him.--J. V. Marley
'The difference between those who grab the spotlight on the debate stage and what I now understand to be a true leader is a gulf wider than the widest sea. I'm spoiled. I've seen an heard a leader; there's no fooling me.'
I want him in the race right now.... even though I worry about Gen. Clark raising money in this overcrowded field.
Kevin Costner's character Ray Kinsella was told by the "voice" that, "If you build it he will come." On faith Ray built the ballfield in his corn field, and they most definitely did come. I hope Wes Clark heeds the voices of his large and dedicated number of supporters and announces his candidacy SOON. America is now ready for Wes Clark. And if he announces, they will most definitely come, and they will most definitely donate large amounts of money. In the movie Kinsella's farm was saved from bankruptcy by people flocking to pay money to see long dead baseball players play again, because "It is money they have, contentment they lack" (to paraphrase). In America, it's money they have, but true leadership they lack. Run, Wes, run! They and their money will most definitely come.
Ken
after the 2004 race, I feel inadequate to predict the tastes of the fickle American public. But with the international scene in worse shape than ever, maybe my fellow voters would finally see the importance of voting for diplomatic skill, intelligence, and problem-solving in the oval office (crossing my fingers). And he's charismatic too, for God's sake!!
were very tuned into the 2006; we CCN-ers were ahead of the curve - Reid and Emmanuel;
I think Nancy Pelosi knew what would happen; but they really did hoped or imagined that they could take the majority; but the blogosphere was in touch with it;
2008 is not at all like 2006 IMO
it is a very status quo election - the way it is being run from the Clinton machine-with the media racket; and eventually we'll see the GOP machine;
very status quo election;
but the electorate if they come out big number to vote can make it other than status quo;
that the 2006 candidates who could bridge the red/blue divide (vis a vis the marriage of progressive ideas and military service) could eat into the Republican constituency.
So what does Clark know now about the 2008 race that's precluded him from joining the race?
Your ardent arguments wrap around the reason General Clark might decide to seek the presidency 2008.
The impatience and frustration that you and so many are experiencing is palpable.
The decision belongs to him -- and him alone.
I've found that when there has been something I desparately desired -- I let it go free. If it comes back, I have it for life. If it doesn't come back, I resolve that the reasons were out of my control. The loss is no less, but the acceptance allows me to move forward.
Stop spending 90% of your time on business Wes. Your country needs you.
An excellent piece, dion_nizzi. :)
Do you remember a while back, in an interview when Wes was asked if he would run, and he stated it depended on what we needed....what our country needed...and what those needs will be? And then later on he said how the candidates will begin to all look and sound the same (especially with them all entering so early)? And how they will be stuck picking nits of a healthcare plan, etc....rather than seeing the big picture?
Because of the politcal atmosphere you have described so well, for someone like General Wes to enter this race it is imperative the voters understand what is needed....or even to create the need (which I wouldn't elaborate on "out loud"...just think about it for a little while). Most people think of strategy as strictly setting up offices...boots on the ground, the machine, etc.....not so....just part of it.....especially at this time in the "game".
It's happening now, already, the candidates appear unqualified and just mirrors of each other. And more and more are recognizing what you and most of us here already know. How much longer can people listen to the same old tired stuff? These Dems in the race have no where else to go. They've pretty much gone as far as they can...already. General Wes will know if/when this country (Dems) recognize the need. We must just trust him for now. ;)
little article I came across last night:
Expect More Than Democrat Lite From Candidates
It's time to stop making excuses for lame Democratic party candidates.
Just because they teeter on the edge of liberal doesn't mean they are the right person for the job.
However, I've seen here how so many get their nose out of joint if you simply draw the curtain back and expose weaknesses in the party.
Sort of how the Republicans ignored the stupidity of George Bush and went with him anyway.
keep reading here:
http://www.smirkingchimp.com/thread/8439
The "others" are doing their part in creating that need....they just can't help it. ;)
You say it for me. And I trust him completely. If the conditions don't meet what he knows he needs them to be to win, he won't run. Like you, I think things are going exactly as he thought they would, and I think he will get in when the time is right. I also am so happy to know he won't take the advise of consultants against his better judgement this time and that alone will allow him to shine!
Once in a while you get shown the light, In the strangest of places if you look at it right.
it isn't about one man. It's about all of us.
“A Time to Lead” is a time for America to lead. That is the intention of the title. (from the NYT article)
And while I understand how hard it can be waiting for what one so desperately wants, don't let opportunities to lead in your own way go by while you wait for someone else to lead you.
"Our public servants work for us - we don't work for them. We have an obligation, as citizens of this country, to always remember that - and to never let them forget it." - DeadMessengers
His entire production team is essential, but Keith is the face of Countdown, he is the voice that gets broadcast. If Keith Olbermann quit tomorrow that show would never be the same and might not survive at all. But the off air talent behind the scenes will continue to exist even though the vehicle that bound them together may not. If Wes Clark runs for President our team has a chance to make it to the top together. If he doesn't we still have important work to do and all of us will then have to find our next calling.
"Our public servants work for us - we don't work for them. We have an obligation, as citizens of this country, to always remember that - and to never let them forget it." - DeadMessengers
I guess that one's just on my mind of late. I know that almost all of us gathered here because we agree with Clark that there is still greatness in America that each of us are called on to help realize. Then again that's another one of several possible tangents also. Anyway I know that for both of the Clark's "Be all that you can be" is not a hollow slogan, it comes closer to being a responsibility, and it is the responsibility of good government to help us all reach that potential.
It's ironic in a perfectly sensible way. I've never been a follow a leader type person, but I find myself now strongly supporting Wes Clark because he is a natural leader, and what makes him such a natural leader is his grasp of the critical role that all of us have to play for America to succeed, and his support of us all plyaing our roles to the best of our ability.
None of this may have anything to do with your point, but at least you got me thinkin'
"It's ironic in a perfectly sensible way. I've never been a follow a leader type person, but I find myself now strongly supporting Wes Clark because he is a natural leader, and what makes him such a natural leader is his grasp of the critical role that all of us have to play for America to succeed, and his support of us all plyaing our roles to the best of our ability."
"Our public servants work for us - we don't work for them. We have an obligation, as citizens of this country, to always remember that - and to never let them forget it." - DeadMessengers
but the time is running a little short.
Do you think that Wes would declare as late as the last time?
We only have a couple of months to spare.
But now or later, I am with him until he says otherwise.
I think that comparison is way too hard to make. Things are going faster this time, so that means that it's actually right now than it was this time 4 years ago. However, Wes is also way ahead of where he was when he announced in September 4 years ago. He didn't simply declare too late last time. He started from scratch too late last time. He wouldn't be starting from scratch. He's got 4 years of political experience that he didn't have in September 2003. So, I just don't think you can compare them.
I think if there were NO chance that Wes was going to run, he'd tell us. So, it's quite reasonable to be with him until he says otherwise. And one thing to realize is that he's not going to "pull a Biden" and run with absolutely no chance of winning. So, really, focusing on whether he's running or not isn't really all that accurate. If you look at the odds of whether he'll be president, it's the odds that he'll run multiplied by the odds that he'll win if he runs. Wes is just making the first number smaller and the second number bigger; the product and hence the overall chance that he'll be POTUS is the same.
thank you.