Ned is usually rather blase if somewhat cynical about the comings and goings of political figures, but admits to having cherished one politician, whom, for pure entertainment value, Ned was somewhat sorry to see leave the scene like some "poor player, who struts and frets his hour upon the stage and then is heard no more." That individual is George Felix 'Macaca' Allen, former senator from Virginia, who was vanquished by one of Ned's heroes, Jim Webb. Imagine Ned's delight to find that Allen has announced that he will return to seek the Republican nomination to run against Webb in 2012! Now, Ned formed his views about Allen first through an agonizing four years as governor, then an undistinguished, to put it mildly, six years as senator, but also by observing him in person in Senate committee hearings during his tenure. Ned concluded that Allen was a consummate blowhard, a quintessential Empty Suit, and as fine an example of a jovial sanctimonious hypocrite as Ned ever saw. In other words, a candidate that any Banana Republic-an would love.
On the one hand, Ned looks forward to 2012 with renewed vigor and eager anticipation, and only hopes that Webb doesn't injure himself laughing at the prospect of his challenger. On the other hand, in Virginia there are enough closet racists, selfish narcissistic yuppies and ignorant know-nothings that it will probably be a spirited contest.
Recent Wash Post article said Webb hadn't decided whether he'll seek re-election. Perhaps this will prompt him. One can only hope. Hope you saw Tom Toles' editorial cartoon 1/26 in Post, labeled "Curious George." Caption said "Macaca on his back." Really needs to be seen, along with Toles' little tagline at the bottom...
ReplyDeleteNed appreciates Cindy's comments as always and treats them with the greatest respect. He can only hope that Web will be encouraged, by this insolent declaration on Allen's part, to grind Felix back under the rock from whence he slithered. Ned further hopes that Cindy is well.
ReplyDeletePerhaps Ned will enjoy this commentary about Slithering George; it's worth copying/pasting:
ReplyDeletehttp://voices.washingtonpost.com/local-opinions/2011/01/the_many_problems_with_george.html
Ms. Cindy is as well as can be expected (i.e., she is reasonably healthy and didn't get stuck in the snow last night) although she hates the fact that it is still winter. Occupationally, let's just say that Dylan was right when he said the times they are a'changing. This is not the appropriate venue to elaborate. Does Ned have an alternate e-mail address?
Ned's Undercover email address should be well known to Ms. Cindy.
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