The Swamps Must Be Cleared
Some years ago, nine or there about, a man whom to this day remains one of my favorites, not for his personality, of which he had much, or his authority, again he carried much, rather due to his character and wisdom, offered some advice regarding the accomplishment of strategic objectives. Of course, we agreed first after some discussion on what the strategic objectives were. His advice, "don’t get caught up in killing the alligators while your aim is to clear the swamp". Whether in business ventures, as was the case, personal matters or political objectives, our ability to see and address the real issues often serves as the determining factor in our success or failure. Having both succeeded and failed, the evidence, aided by the gift of hindsight, reminds me of this daily.
History is filled with examples of man’s willingness or inclination to address the symptoms rather than the cause. Terrible wars have been fought because men filled their day with tactical maneuvering rather than seeking, obtaining and acting on a strategic objective. Appeasement, a tactical effort to avoid confrontation, mars the history of man more so in the last century than in any before it. This century must see a return of our willingness to set and act on strategic objectives. Why?
Our nation has for 40 years or more killed alligators within our swamps in a futile attempt to defeat injustices, force equality, and sooth our emotional desperation or guilt associated with our prosperity. The greatest attribute of our federal republic may turn out to be its built in resistance to the efforts of those set squarely on moving the government toward active participation rather than its appropriate position on the sidelines and in defense of our lives.
Have we tackled racism through affirmative action? Have we defeated poverty through welfare? Have we conquered ignorance with public education? Have we ended violence by restricting gun ownership? Are truth, decency and common sense more prevalent today without prayer in schools or public acknowledgements of faith? For the answers, we need look no further than this year’s Democratic nominee for the Presidency and his aides. They offer a campaign of fear mongering filled with race baiting, class envy, untruths and a dependence on the gullibility of the electorate.
The result of the past forty years of alligator killing is not seen in the divide between the political parties or their supporters. The result is evident in their inability to recognize, describe and attack the real threats to this nation both internal and from afar.
So I ask, does John Kerry know where the swamps are?
