Benjamin Franklin, before the formation of our nation, indicated in his autobiography that he used to get together with friends once per week to discuss history, philosophy, politics, ethics and various sciences. Learned men becoming more learned through the discussion of facts and ideas. I have always been so jealous, wanting something similar. It’s not that I am learned. I wouldn’t describe myself that way. But I am open-minded, analytical and interested in exchanging ideas and learning from the process.
A few months ago a friend had invited me to join him and some friends who meet each morning for coffee and breakfast and I have been every day since. We usually meet at Jonesy’s on Main Street in Biddeford but we also sometimes meet at Elements to break it up. I love the time with these guys because although none of us are scholars, we do have very interesting conversation about politics, legal issues (one of us is an attorney), social policy, relationships, good business practices and yes, we often talk about newspapers. It’s a nice way to start the day, sipping coffee, making jokes, sharing ideas and learning from one another.
Recently, one guy said, when we were talking about the upcoming 2016 presidential election, that he was sick and tired of Bushes and Clintons. I have heard other several other people say the same. The objections that I’ve heard are the following: They’re all too rich, out of touch with working people, corrupt and “it’s just time for new blood. In a country of more than 200 million adult citizens, sure we can find other suitable people to serve.” Many Democrats use former President George W. Bush to beat up his brother Jeb who it is pretty clear is going run. And many Republicans use former President Bill Clinton’s nebulous moral compass to attack his wife’s character who everybody knows is running. The one fellow who made this comment interestingly is quite conservative but definitely not a party man. I think he would hold his nose and vote for Jeb if he had to, but it certainly wouldn’t be his first choice.
I come down a bit differently than they have. I don’t have any problem with Hillary running because her husband was president any more than I do Jeb running because his brother was. I will judge each of them based on what I find out about them, what they have done (particularly concerning policy), what they do, what they say and admittedly I will try to use that extra sense that some call intuition to help me figure out what kind of people they are. That matters to me. Do I think they are honest, smart, intellectually active, engaged and energetic? Frankly I found George W. intellectually lazy and that was a great concern of mine. But his brother Jeb is by all credible accounts studious. I like that. It’s not enough, but it’s a good start. Hillary is also unusually bright and hard working but again that is just a start.
I am not a fan of the Clintons, Bill or Hillary. But I have some significant concerns about Jeb’s efforts to privatize education. Certain things are best left to the government to handle. Among them are the military, law enforcement, judicial system and education. Having said that, Jeb might get my vote if I think he is open to other ways of improving our educational system and if I think he is on the right path on most other issues. And of course any president is not a dictator. Our legislature and the courts are checks on presidential power. Either way, I’m not that interested in the name of the candidate as much as I am in his or her character, accomplishments and ideas.
Thanks for reading, stay informed by reading every day, drive safe, be kind and have a wicked great week!
— Bruce M. Hardina is the publisher of the Journal Tribune, a singer-songwriter, a philosopher, a student of life and the human experience, a columnist, an entrepreneur and a family man. To comment on his musings, email bhardina@journaltribune.com or mail a note to Journal Tribune, Attn: Bruce Hardina, 457 Alfred St., Biddeford, ME 04005.
Comments are not available on this story.
Send questions/comments to the editors.
