I did not watch the first Republican debate but did see much of it replayed and then analyzed by various pundits. Most said Nikki Haley was the standout performer although she voted with the majority to acquit Trump if he was found guilty of any of the four indictments against him. The two dissenters to that vote were Christie and Hutchinson … not Haley. My impression is that Christie and Haley were the most serious, consistent and persuasive but it is unlike that either will be the nominee. Haley may become a running mate for a nominee to go against Trump though.
Anyway, that was quite disturbing to see the candidates flail and talk nonsense and be so venomous for so long against each other and Trump and Biden and democrats … what a mess this nation is in. We are afraid to condemn those who organized those who invaded the Congress, suffering from continuing gun violence, unable to limit the sale of automatic weapons of death, seeing hate-filled attacks on those with whom someone disagrees, lack of respect or tolerance for different views on basic things like free speech and healthcare, unable to admit the dark history of this country’s founders, keeping students away from selected books including classics in literature … even in Plato’s Symposium there is an undercurrent of homosexuality which would lead some to ban that classic work … where are we headed and what can be done to put us on a more humane course ???
I have no answer and am struggling to retain a sense of pride in
being an American, a distinguished graduate from a military academy, and a
university scholar.
I am so
depressed. As the donkey said in a Shrek movie, I think I need a hug.
Mike Spector
late August, 2023
