A lesson on heroism
For many years I have enjoyed reading the columns of Bradley Gitz, which have always been knowledgeable, insightful, and thought-provoking. However, it is discouraging to see his two "impeachment" columns explaining the impeachment of a president and end up, in effect, promoting it.
Professor Gitz has made no secret of his disdain for the president, often criticizing his personal style while ignoring substantive issues such as a booming economy, progress in North Korea and NAFTA, job creation, the stock market, and low unemployment, particularly in minority groups. Perhaps the president's personal style does not fit into academic demeanor and repartee. But then I suspect the personal style of Andrew Jackson, Teddy Roosevelt, George Patton, or even Abraham Lincoln would not have either.
Gitz quite rightly points out that the president was duly elected, as were Nixon and Clinton, but both dealt with impeachment or possible impeachment. But what the professor does not fully appreciate is the president is not just supported by his base, he is their hero because he is a brawler and a fighter, like the kid on the school playground that settles scores at recess, not so much for himself but for the children that are being bullied. Neither Nixon or Clinton were heroes to their base. But heroism is a concept lost on many academics (and the Washington establishment). Heroism is rash, egotistical and authoritarian. Better to solve issues with committees, consensus and collegiality. However, there are no statues of great committees.
But since the professor is a music lover, maybe he should seriously listen to "A Hero's Life" (Ein Heldenleben) by Richard Strauss, who musically puts into clear focus why heroes are beloved and remembered. In the meantime, I shall continue to look forward to reading Professor Gitz's opinions. And speaking of heroes, Oskee wow wow, Go Chief! University of Illinois 1969.
JAMES HATCH
Little Rock
Will pay heavy price
I think the Democrats will pay a heavy price for their latest display of dirty tricks and scandalous conduct in the Kavanaugh hearings. How can any fair-minded person even consider voting for a Democrat who sanctions the attempt to destroy a nominee to the Supreme Court with absurd, uncorroborated charges of sexual misconduct that supposedly happened 36 years ago?
No presumption of innocence, no due process, no need of proof by the accuser; the new standard of Democrat justice is guilt by accusation if the target is a nominee to the Supreme Court appointed by Donald Trump.
If the shredding of the Constitution is not enough to make you gag at the thought of voting for a Democrat, just think about turning the Congress over to Nancy Pelosi, Chuck Schumer, and Maxine Waters.
GARY W. LEMON
Cabot
Editorial on 10/15/2018