Thursday, February 09, 2006

In Defense Of Clinton

"We will never have great leaders as long as we mistake education for intelligence, ambition for ability, and lack of transgression for integrity!" ~ seen on a bumper sticker

A Conservative friend of mine e-mailed me with this question:

"How did you end up having so many hostile liberals commenting on your blog?"

I have to honestly say I don't know. But I am starting to wonder if the presence of hostile Liberals in my comments is the reason I don't get as many Conservatives commenting as I used to.

The same person who sent that e-mail didn't comment on my blog. Perhaps the presence of hostility keeps friendly commentators away. I myself, have stopped commenting on at least one other blog because of the number of hostile commentators who attack everything I say regardless of lucidity and logic. They take even the most factual of facts and spin them to, in effect, imply that I'm an idiot.

So, I rarely comment over there anymore. When I do, it's as a stealth commentator, sneaking in, laying down a bomb, and making a hasty exit.

I just get weary of the incessant attacks on my credibility.

I get particularly incensed over allegations that I am a liar. I am many things, but a liar is not one of them. I will tell the truth if a lie will save my life. I may be mistaken often, or unknowingly give erroneous information, but I never lie.

As my older brother, who is now a college professor, says, "I may not always be right, but I'm never wrong". I might amend that to say, "I may not always tell the truth, but I never lie". It looks self-contradictory, but it isn't.

But I digress. I didn't intend to make this post about me.

I wanted to address something that happened recently that I haven't heard much about on Conservative talk radio.

A lot of Conservative talk show hosts have condemned the politicization of Coretta Scott King's funeral, and rightly so. It was indeed deplorable for Former President Jimmy Carter and Dr. Lowry to turn the funeral into a political rally. I have said in the past, that I like Jimmy Carter, but he was wrong to do what he did. Lowry's remarks didn't surprise me.

I hesitate to discuss this in light of my recent meltdown over at Trixie's place, which spilled over into mine, but I can argue that instead of making me hypocritical, it makes me an expert on proper decorum under a funereal situation. In other words, I have learned my lesson and seek to now instruct others.

But the subject of Carter and Lowry's insensitivity is not my focus today. There have been more than enough comments made about that.

I will focus instead, on the remarks that President Bill Clinton made at the funeral, which were highly appropriate and eloquent.

He did an admirable job. Congratulations to him for taking the high ground. He is not one I would normally consider to have that much integrity. But, as I said in a previous post, never let it be said that I am not intellectually honest.

I will give credit where credit is due everytime, and Bill Clinton is due every bit of that credit.

On the other hand, Hillary Clinton also maintained the high level of respect that Ms. King deserved. But her remarks appeared rather disengenous, in my humble opinion. Not for what she said in her remarks, but how she said them. She had some very nice things to say, but it seemed to me as if she was reading the words for the first time, and without putting on her reading glasses first.

So there you have it. I have parted from my Conservative friends for one brief instant. But never fear, friends. I am still very much Conservative.

I just felt, since the Conservative talk show hosts had glossed over Clinton's remarks, that someone had to stand up for him, and I hope that this wasn't the last time he does something right.

28 comments:

The WordSmith from Nantucket said...

I just felt, since the Conservative talk show hosts had glossed over Clinton's remarks, that someone had to stand up for him

Michael Medved yesterday on his radio program said Bill Clinton delivered the best speech. He praised him as always being able to deliver, without the aid of notes.

He also was appreciative that the Clintons did not engage in the kind of politicized spearing that Lowery and Carter engaged in.


As far as I go and as far as I can tell, I visit as often or as infrequent as I ever did. I usually make it here more than once a day, because you have a lively community of commentators. Other places, like mine, isn't so much conversations taking place as it is one-post commentators dropping by.

But this doesn't mean I am always interested in leaving behind a comment. Sometimes, I just don't have anything to say; or don't have time to write what I do want to say, if it's long and extensive.

Blogging and blog-reading is addicting, but I have to ween myself away from engaging in long-drawn out debates a lot of times because it is way too time-consuming. In some ways, I find it an absolute waste of time.

And I say that, knowing it isn't. But I hope you know what I mean. It's all about prioritizing and economizing your time on the internet.

The WordSmith from Nantucket said...

Oh...and this comment verification thing is annoying as all heck.

Mark said...

Smithy, I don't get Medved where I live. Well, I do, but his show and hannity's is on at the same time. And if Hannity is boring, I can get Glen Beck in delayed broadcast.

Your commnets are alwaya welcome and appreciated.

Yeah, I understand the moderation comment, but you should see some of the crap I get when I don't use it. And then I had to add word verification, too, because of some 75 or so comments made the other day from blog spammers.

That's right. I said 75! In one day!

Dan Trabue said...

"But I am starting to wonder if the presence of hostile Liberals in my comments is the reason I don't get as many Conservatives commenting as I used to."

OR, could it be that the presence of "liberal" commenters has raised the intellectucal discussion beyond the capability of your more conservative friends?

[it's a joke, son.]

Mark said...

Yeah Dan, I knew that was a joke. How could it be true? the Liberals are incapable of intelligent discussion. (that's a joke, too)

Dan Trabue said...

A joke well-spoke and well-received!

Daffy76 said...

Lately, I just haven't had time to comment on anything. Yes, the comment verification is annoying but at least you haven't switched over to Haloscan like my brother. I have more than once thought that I would join the discussion over there but I hate the format and so I usually just wait until he calls me and say it in person. I still read yours about everyday and I appreciate that you check in at my place.

If nothing else, Clinton is smooth and charming. I have no idea what impressed you so much about his speech because I didn't hear it. But I'm sure that it was highly appropriate and to some degree even classy. That's one thing I've always marveled about when it comes to him. He is a world-class snake charmer.

Mark said...

Daffy, What I liked about his speech is that he didn't use his speech to bash Bush or his administration's policies. He stayed on topic and only talked about Coretta Scott King. And he sounded sincere.

Anonymous said...

Jimmy Carter said:

"It was difficult for them then personally with the civil liberties of both husband and wife violated as they became the target of secret government wiretaps."

Just wondering: what offended you more, Mark? That Carter would bring it up, or that the governmental persecution of the Kings that went on in the '60s could happen in our own country?

Anonymous said...

MARK,
That's it, I'm outta of here. You've gone liberal! I'm never going to visit your site again....














Just kidding. Good post.
Blessings

MadMustard said...

Mark, I applaud your intellectual honesty with regard to Bill Clintons’ remarks.

I certainly could not be accused of being a big fan of President Bush’s policies, but I agree that there were comments made at the King funeral that were inappropriate in light of who was being honored.

In keeping with intellectual honesty, I believe that President Bush delivered a very eloquent eulogy that has been glossed over, as well.

Sometimes it is a lonely position to credit those with whom you would normally disagree.

Mark said...

Anonymous, What is most offensive about Carter's remarks were that they were obviously intended to bash Bush, and you know it.

Btw, I'm sure you already know this, but it was the Democrats that were wiretapping the Kings.

Mark said...

Timothy...LOL!

Dionne said...

After Clinton wasn't president I tried to take a step back and look at him objectively. He obviously lacks morals and integrity. His liberal ideology I completely disagree with. But where you have to give him credit is that he is a great politician. He can pretend to feel your pain and he is very charismatic and empathetic.

I think that makes him a snake because he's nice to your face and then he'll stab you in the back. But he is great at the political game. He knew it wouldn't be wise to attack W at a funeral and he knew Carter would so he could come out smelling like a rose. To be honest I think this is why Hillary won't make it. Bill is friendly and endearing and charming while he is implementing liberal ideology. Hillary is cold and unfriendly and mean. That won't persuade people and thats why her husband was able to win 2 terms.

None said...

I'm sure you know that MLK was wiretapped because the government thought he was a terrorist. (We thought Nelson Mandela was one too.. but thats a different story)

As for Billy, he did a great job. The way he commands a room is really amazing. He may be lacking in integrity but so are most politicians.

Erudite Redneck said...

Mark, I think Daffy called you a snake! :-)

Chatty, chatty, chatty! Bubba displayed a moral lapse, one of many, with Miss Lewinsky. He displays integrity every day he chooses to participate in our national, and increasingly global discussion, knowing that he sinned, sinned very publicly, and that conservatives will never, ever, EVER let him live it down.

Carter is old enough, and has been abused enough for his failings, to say what he damn well pleases. Plus, he's right about most thing, and the truth is always painful.

tugboatcapn said...

That 's right, Miss Chaterbox, but that is only part of the reason that Clinton was able to win two terms.

Another part of Clinton's success was that both times he ran, Ross Perot siphoned off conservatives who wanted someone who was further to the right than Bush 41 or Dole.

John Kerry got more votes than Clinton ever did, and he still lost.

A majority of American voters never voted for Clinton. He won by default both times.

Mark, I agree with you.

Bill Clinton's remarks at the funeral the other day were both tasteful and appropriate, but then he always has been an excellent speaker who has a rare talent to connect with his audience.

I know that I haven't been around as much lately, myself, but it isn't because I am afraid of your moonbats.

It's just that lately I have been busier than a one-armed drummer in a thrash-metal band.

I'm still readin' though...

you are still my favorite Righty-Right Bloggy Buddy...

The Liberal Lie The Conservative Truth said...

Personaly Mark, I think that when hostile liberals comment regularly then it means that you are having an impact because your truth in conservatism is getting under their skin. I get quite a bit of the same liberal comments and consider it good because I know that they are at least looking at the truth whether they believe it or not. Remember, the President is attacked by libs all the time and look at the positive impact he's making! So that puts us in good company. Keep up the great work!

Ken

Goat said...

Mark, I have always said Bill Clinton is highly intelligent and an excellent speaker, just slightly misguided. If Perot had not been in the race, I would have voted for him. He effectivly pulled the wool over my eyes at the time. He does understand economics fairly well. I have just grown and learned a bit more about the DNC since and moved quickly to the right.

Goat said...

The government that wiretapped the Kings was lead by Democrats, and it was done under the direction of two Kennedys,Pres. John and AG Robert. A fact Parklife and Carter failed to mention.

Dionne said...

Redneck: Clinton's moral failings are a lot more than Miss Lewinsky. But it would take a lot more than a comment section to list them all.

Tugboat: I agree about Perot.

Goat said...

I voted Perot twice, and abstained in '00 and registered and voted GOP in '04. I am now firmly planted in the GOP and dedicated to moving the Reagan Revolution forward. I guess the moonbats failed to convince me, what a shame.

Dan Trabue said...

"and it was done under the direction of two Kennedys..."

I think y'all misunderstand those of us who are opposed to Bush and his ilk. It's not about the fact that he's a Republican at all. We disagreed with the Dems wire-tapping and illegal warring in Viet Nam just as much as we disagree with Bush.

It's about patriotism, not partisanship.

Mark said...

" It's not about the fact that he's a Republican at all."

Ha! If that was a sound byte on the Laura Ingraham show, that would be the "lie of the day"!

Everything the Libs are trying to do right now is because they hate Bush. That is their only agenda.Get Bush.

Well.... maybe you're right. Maybe it isn't cause he's Republican. Y'all are just sore cause he won the 2000 election.

Dan Trabue said...

Brother Mark, why would you doubt what I say? I'm telling you that, as a Christian and a patriot, I don't trust Bush as far as I could spit him out of my mouth. I didn't trust Clinton either.

Why don't I trust them? Because they proved themselves untrustworthy. The evidence is before you in our criticism of Democrats who have done naughty things. I'm sure there are some for whom this is merely about politics.

But I'm telling you that it's not many of the many folk that I know.

Erudite Redneck said...

Myself, I would be disgusted with Bush if he were a Democrat. Hell, I'd hate this presidency if Bush were a Kiwani.

Anonymous said...

"The government that wiretapped the Kings was lead by Democrats, and it was done under the direction of two Kennedys,Pres. John and AG Robert. A fact Parklife and Carter failed to mention."


...Proving that Carter is above petty partisanship, since he is aware as you are that these were Democratic administrations, and he mentioned it anyway. A good man says what is right, regardless of party.

Dan Trabue said...

Rusty, by my count, there are four or five liberal commenters in this post alone and I don't see a single one with any bad language or offensive comments.

Of course, it's anectdotal in both our cases, but I've encountered the most rudeness and vulgar language coming from conservatives who disagree with me enough that their language bleeds purple.

For what it's worth.