vice precedent?

David, I think you can make a pretty good case arguing that the virtues that make a good lawyer are not virtues in a political leader.  Being a really good liar, for instance; being able to make a good case for something you disagree with – and wanting to, to show how good you are.

But there’s also the unemotional observation that the practice of law boils down to a search for precedent.  That’s a bad principle for governance – “this is the way it used to be done, therefore this is the way we must do it now.”

Rather than “This is the way it used to be done; how can we improve it?”

Dave, I’m glad you clarified the various candidates’ positions on those important issues.  Hate to have some non-Christian freethinker sneak into office.

Almost every time these yoyos get behind a microphone, they offer evidence for Arthur Schlessinger, Jr.’s bleak thesis that the skills that favor success in American politics are antagonistic to actual responsible leadership.  Would you buy a used car from Newt Gingrich?  Would you like him dating your daughter?

  

(I like the perennial political poster:  “Would you buy a used war from this man?”  Pick your president.)

Still feeling a little rocky from my close communion with the pavement.  Decided not to bicycle to studio this morning.  Gay’s going to the market, but she arranged for another ride.  (Yeah, we’re a one-car family.  Once or twice a year that’s inconvenient.) 

Joe