-Caveat Lector- <http://www.chron.com/cs/CDA/story.hts/editorial/775407> If memory serves, George Bush will be up to it By LANNY J. DAVIS I remember the moment well: About 33 years ago, George Bush (we never used the "W" back then) was sitting among a group of us in a college common room at Yale, engaged in one of our late-night comment-on-everyone sessions. Someone made an acerbic comment about a fellow student who was considered one of the biggest nerds on campus. There was laughter. Then George said: "Hey, it's not so easy for him. He's a good guy -- leave him alone." We all quieted down. Looking back, I can see the quality of empathy that has been central to George's political success and will be important as he assumes the presidency. I also remember other qualities, some in evidence during the recent campaign, that he may have to overcome in the next four years. Of course, back in the mid-1960s, I didn't see George as having any political aspirations, much less expect to see him get elected president. We were fraternity brothers at Delta Kappa Epsilon, but we were never especially close socially. Only in my senior year (George's junior year) did the subject of politics -- specifically Vietnam -- come up. I can vaguely remember George being uncomfortable with the more radical protesters threatening violence and antimilitary actions -- as was I. I have often been asked whether I consider President-elect Bush smart, and my answer is yes, without any doubt. But I mean street-smart, quick-witted, savvy, common-sense smart and, especially, smart about judging and understanding people. What I don't mean is academically ambitious or anxious to analyze deeply any subject or substantive issue. George seemed to be a coaster -- perfectly happy to get through his courses with a passing grade while the rest of us grinds were worrying about the consequences for our futures if we did not get at least a B-plus average. Who knows for sure whether this characteristic of staying above the intellectual fray will hurt his presidency? During the campaign, for example, it seemed that Bush never got into the nitty-gritty details of his big tax-cut package, leaving a lot of questions unanswered. Ronald Reagan, of course, was also a president with a reputation for avoiding details. He managed to remain popular and do a lot of good things, though the Iran-contra disaster was a result of his detachment. The question on many people's minds about Bush is: Is he up to the job? Being likable, comfortable, decent and empathetic -- all the things I remember about George during college and still consider true today -- may not be enough. He will also have to demonstrate the intellectual discipline needed to dig deeply into matters like Social Security reform, Medicare and the continuing crises of our inner cities and the poor. Bush is certainly smart enough to surround himself with wise advisers and Cabinet secretaries. But he can't make wise judgments unless he comes to substantive understanding of policy issues on his own. Based on my memories, I think President-elect Bush is more than capable of doing this. We will see soon enough whether he has the desire to do it. Davis, a lawyer based in Washington, D.C., served as special counsel to President Clinton from 1996 to 1998. ================================================================= Kadosh, Kadosh, Kadosh, YHVH, TZEVAOT FROM THE DESK OF: *Michael Spitzer* <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ The Best Way To Destroy Enemies Is To Change Them To Friends ================================================================= <A HREF="http://www.ctrl.org/">www.ctrl.org</A> DECLARATION & DISCLAIMER ========== CTRL is a discussion & informational exchange list. Proselytizing propagandic screeds are unwelcomed. Substance�not soap-boxing�please! These are sordid matters and 'conspiracy theory'�with its many half-truths, mis- directions and outright frauds�is used politically by different groups with major and minor effects spread throughout the spectrum of time and thought. That being said, CTRLgives no endorsement to the validity of posts, and always suggests to readers; be wary of what you read. CTRL gives no credence to Holocaust denial and nazi's need not apply. Let us please be civil and as always, Caveat Lector. ======================================================================== Archives Available at: http://peach.ease.lsoft.com/archives/ctrl.html <A HREF="http://peach.ease.lsoft.com/archives/ctrl.html">Archives of [EMAIL PROTECTED]</A> http:[EMAIL PROTECTED]/ <A HREF="http:[EMAIL PROTECTED]/">ctrl</A> ======================================================================== To subscribe to Conspiracy Theory Research List[CTRL] send email: SUBSCRIBE CTRL [to:] [EMAIL PROTECTED] To UNsubscribe to Conspiracy Theory Research List[CTRL] send email: SIGNOFF CTRL [to:] [EMAIL PROTECTED] Om
