Two Thoughts on McCain
Two articles appeared this week on Senator John McCain. The first was in the WSJ and authored by former Reagan speechwriter Peggy Noonan. Noonan's take is really that the type of patriotism exhibited by Mr. McCain is superior to that of his opponents because it is steeped in American traditions, stories and experiences that have been handed down to McCain through generations of his family. In Noonan's eyes, McCain has an understanding of average Americans that Sen. Obama has yet to display.
The second article, from the NYT, focused on McCain as a member of the so-called "Silent Generation," those Americans born in the late 1930s and who never fought in WWII. The Silents are often described by political scientists and sociologists as being dedicated to consensus,conformity and authority. They avoid questioning their leaders and are motivated by the approval of their community and superiors, usually those in the Greatest Generation. They are the men in the grey flannel suits who were unaffected by -- and uninvolved in -- the Civil Rights struggle or the Peace Movement. No Silent has ever been President. According to the the Times, McCain may posture at being a rebel, but in the end he adheres to the script laid out for him, and genuflects to the country's hallowed institutions and beliefs. He is a vocal Silent, but a Silent none the less.
By combining both analysts I think you can see the problem with a McCain presidency. I agree with Noonan that McCain is deeply steeped in the lore of this country. He has unquestioningly accepted all our myths, justifications, and explanations. And that is precisely why he should not be President. McCain's brand of patriotism effectively stunts his ability to objectively examine American motives or possibilities and completely blocks any ability to hear viewpoints that clash with the mythology so near to his heart. His agenda only contains items that resonate in our past and reflect our triumphs. He will hear no tale of our shortcomings. In short, he is the type of patriot who is so enamored at the sight of our flag waving, that he neglects to notice which way the wind is blowing.
I think we've had our fill of that.
The second article, from the NYT, focused on McCain as a member of the so-called "Silent Generation," those Americans born in the late 1930s and who never fought in WWII. The Silents are often described by political scientists and sociologists as being dedicated to consensus,conformity and authority. They avoid questioning their leaders and are motivated by the approval of their community and superiors, usually those in the Greatest Generation. They are the men in the grey flannel suits who were unaffected by -- and uninvolved in -- the Civil Rights struggle or the Peace Movement. No Silent has ever been President. According to the the Times, McCain may posture at being a rebel, but in the end he adheres to the script laid out for him, and genuflects to the country's hallowed institutions and beliefs. He is a vocal Silent, but a Silent none the less.
By combining both analysts I think you can see the problem with a McCain presidency. I agree with Noonan that McCain is deeply steeped in the lore of this country. He has unquestioningly accepted all our myths, justifications, and explanations. And that is precisely why he should not be President. McCain's brand of patriotism effectively stunts his ability to objectively examine American motives or possibilities and completely blocks any ability to hear viewpoints that clash with the mythology so near to his heart. His agenda only contains items that resonate in our past and reflect our triumphs. He will hear no tale of our shortcomings. In short, he is the type of patriot who is so enamored at the sight of our flag waving, that he neglects to notice which way the wind is blowing.
I think we've had our fill of that.
posted by Jack Reed at 7:18 PM
0 Comments:
Post a Comment
<< Home