Tuesday Musing
Cynics Don’t Accomplish Much
Several weeks ago, I had the wonderful opportunity to listen to David McCullough, Pulitzer Prize-winner and renowned best-selling author of historical biographies like John Adams, Truman and the acclaimed 1776. He spoke to a couple of different audiences in Salt Lake City and I was invited to a gathering sponsored by Gov. Jon Huntsman, the Utah Policy Partnership, Larry Miller and Zions Bank.
McCullough’s main message was that we need to study history and be knowledgeable about the past if we are to be successful in the future. He quoted historian Daniel Bornstein, who said, “Trying to plan the future without a sense of the past is like trying to plant cut flowers.” History, said McCullough, provides the lessons of life. History helps us understand human nature.
McCullough was not happy about the current state of public education in our country, saying most young people are receiving a flawed education, without much history or science. They are, for the most part, illiterate with regard to history, he said. “I wish there was more ambition to excel. Oh, that we could reinstate that desire for scholarship and learning.” He encouraged families to have dinner table conversations and to visit historic sites.
As he talked, McCullough used examples of great leaders who made difficult, unpopular decisions in crucial situations for the good of the country. During the question and answer period, I asked him if it is more difficult for leaders today to make such decisions in the face of harsh news media scrutiny and negativism. He said that is unquestionably true and, as a result, providing real leadership is much harder today.
The cynicism and negativism we see today has not been so much a part of the country’s character in the past, he said. “Cynics don’t get much done,” he said. “Cynics don’t advance the cause.” He said he admires leaders who are willing to subject themselves to the cynicism and negativism of the media.
Despite the country’s current challenges, America is still the land of opportunity, McCullough said. He described himself as a “short-range pessimist, but long-range optimist.” This is still a country where anyone, including a poor immigrant, can work hard, make a difference, and accomplish great things.
Washington Watch
Hatch: Review DoubleClick Deal
In a letter, Sen. Orrin Hatch asks the Federal Trade Commission to examine the competition questions raised by the acquisition of the Internet advertising company DoubleClick by Google (see press release).
John F. Kennedy and the Mormons
Just eight weeks before his assassination, Kennedy visited Utah and spoke in the Tabernacle. He remarked to an aide after meeting with Church President David O. McKay, “I have never met a man as ideally suited and qualified to be the spiritual leader of his people.” (From Mike Winder’s Presidents and Prophets: The Story of America’s Presidents and the LDS Church)
Today in Political History
Nov. 20, 1789: New Jersey becomes the first state to ratify the Bill of Rights.
Nov. 20, 1925: Robert F. Kennedy is born in Brookline, Mass. He later served as the U. S. Attorney General and then as a senator from New York before being assassinated during his 1968 campaign for President. (NBC5)
Nov. 20, 1945: 24 Nazi leaders go on trial before an international war crimes tribunal in Nuremberg, Germany. (New York Times)
Nov. 20, 1993: Congress passes the North American Free Trade Agreement, which significantly reduces trade barriers between the U.S., Canada, and Mexico. ( Perspicuity)
Wise Words
“A thankful heart is not only the greatest of all virtues, but the parent of all the others.”
—Cicero (Patriot Post)
Communications Tip
Lose the ‘Uhs’ and ‘You Knows’
Success in politics requires good communications skills, especially the ability to speak clearly, concisely, and intelligently in a variety of settings. A political leader who constantly punctuates his or her speech with “uh,” “ah,” or “you know,” does not sound focused, knowledgeable or very professional.
To avoid stumbling and stammering while being interviewed, giving a speech, or in ordinary conversation, it is very helpful to be knowledgeable about the subject you are addressing so you can speak directly and concisely. Know the points you want to make, and state them directly. Second, practice makes perfect. Practice speaking without pausing and using the unnecessary verbiage. Finally, be aware of what you are saying. Train yourself to consciously avoid the “uhs” and “you knows.”
National Politics
Best Stories From . . .
-- The Hill: "Democratic presidential front-runner Sen. Hillary Rodham Clinton (N.Y.) said the Republicans running for the White House plan to continue President Bush's 'failed economic policies.' ... Clinton said she is eager to take on the Republican nominee 'as we make the case for change, and they argue for the status quo.'"
-- The Politico: "Thomas H. Kean, who chaired the 9/11 Commission, [endorsed] Sen. John McCain (R-Ariz.) for president on Monday as part of a high-stakes new push by the campaign to focus voters on national security...."
-- Washington Post: "After more than two years of being buffeted by one political disaster after another, President Bush and his strategists think they may finally be getting back at least a bit of their footing. While still facing enormous challenges, ... they hope Bush has arrested his downward spiral and established a better foundation for the remainder of his time in office."
-- Wall Street Journal: "The debate over how to deal with illegal immigrants split the Republican Party two years ago, infuriating its social-conservative base and driving away Hispanic voters. It could be even more perilous for Democrats. Democratic strategists believe that Hispanic voters could swing a decisive handful of states ... to the Democrats in 2008 ... But the party's blue-collar, middle-income and African-American supporters are increasingly angry about illegal immigration, much of it Hispanic."
Blog Watch
-- Milwaukee Journal Sentinel columnist Patrick McIlheran compares and contrasts this anti-voucher op-ed by David R. Keller with this pro-voucher op-ed by Patrick Byrne. (See also related post at KVNU's For The People.)
Lighter Side
Q: What did the turkeys sing on Thanksgiving Day?
A: God save the kin. |
