...to discuss the long list of menial things I did the weekend past, but I'm in a bit of a sour mood, and simply can't let this one go without comment.
When Elizabeth Edwards and her husband announced that despite the fact her cancer had recurred and that it was more than likely terminal, that her husband was going to continue on his quest for the Presidency, I sorta gave them the benefit of the doubt. I figure this is their decision, and one they probably didn't just come to offhandedly. I hope and pray for her health and the strength of her family.
But.
Maybe it's just me. Maybe I'm thinking too much. But I smelt a whiff of bullshit this weekend from Mr. Edwards when he was at a candidate's forum, and was seemingly compelled to bring up his wife's struggle with cancer, and what good insurance he has, and how he wants that for all Americans.
Look Pretty Boy, I'm all willing to respect your decision to go forward in this idiotic jaunt of yours, unless every speech becomes a way to use your wife's condition as a way to score political points. If she's going to be nothing but the poster child for political point-scoring, you're a much more craven and venal little person than I ever would have given you credit for being.
Are we going to be subjected to the sight of your wife dying while you intone with your mock earnestness and balled up sissy fists that "if only President Bush would allow scientists to do stem cell research, there might be hope for my wife"? During the last election, your ghoulish Democratic partners made is sound like Christopher Reeve would be able to get up and walk if only we'd vote for you guys.
Are you going to talk about childcare, then cast an evil eye toward Republicans and talk about how they'd like nothing better than to deny money to children who've lost a parent?
You gonna talk about Big Pharma, and how they'd deny some Americans the treatment your wife receives because they don't like poor people?
I sure hope not.
Although I have a feeling I'm wrong.
I also have a feeling that all the other Democratic candidates are going to start trying to figure out a way to have a wife with cancer, too.
Posted by Terry Oglesby at March 26, 2007 09:25 AMWhen you gave him the benefit of doubt last week and said you would keep working under similar circumstances, you forgot to mention that you would have no choice.
I think Edwards represents the very worst in politicians that you have to go some to do that.
Posted by: Larry Anderson at March 26, 2007 09:32 AMWell, Larry, I think I would still have a choice, just not a very good one, in that I would be bankrupt after it was all over with. He could take off several years and still be okay, but either way, if that's what they want to do, fine. Their life, let'em live it how they want.
BUT--don't sit there and use her as a ploy, a bargaining chip, a sack of meat.
As if I could stop him.
Posted by: Terry Oglesby at March 26, 2007 09:40 AMI do understand that she may want him to continue pursuing his dream, and I understand the usefulness of being busy with something you DO have control over, versus worrying over something you have little control over.
How we handle the fires of adversity a key to understanding character. All the extraneous dross burns away, and we see the true person.
I don't much like what I'm seeing.
Posted by: Diane at March 26, 2007 10:07 AMIt seems a bit too much from the bag of tricks employed by slick trial lawyers. And crooked televangelists.
Posted by: Terry Oglesby at March 26, 2007 11:01 AMTerry! For shame to lump Democrats in the same sack as trial lawyers and televangelists! Why, I know there are some fine upstanding individuals that you have slandered in those groups.
Can I tie the bag top and help you hump it over the bridge railing so we can watch it drop together?
If only we could find a bag big enough...
Posted by: Terry Oglesby at March 26, 2007 12:50 PMOne bag for him, one for his hair. [ed. Sorry for the cheap shot. Those of us lacking in follicular splendor are often jealous of those with.]
Posted by: skinnydan at March 26, 2007 02:04 PMThat's okay--even those of us with a pile of hair recognize that his scalp covering is no different from him and lacks depth and sincerity. It is the hair of the charlatan and confidence man.
Posted by: Terry Oglesby at March 26, 2007 02:27 PM