September 2, 2002

President Bush addresses the Carpenters’ Union, one of the few of which he has any support, and touts the economy as strong, America’s workers as the most productive. On this same day Consolidated Freightways, one of the country’s largest carriers, goes bankrupt, laying off over 15,000 of those skilled, dedicated workers he talks about; only the latest example of an employer of a major workforce dumping its people without warning or resources as a result of poor management by a new CEO..

The economy isn’t nearly as robust as Mr. Bush claims.

Also on this day, gubernatorial candidate Bill Simon sees fit to visit the Nixon Library in Yorba Linda, citing Nixon, despite some high-profile problems, as being a dedicated public servant. Nixon, one of the most ruthless of politicians, as Congressman almost single-handedly forced the long-discredited HUAC into its witch-hunts ruining the lives of dozens of innocent people, and as President presided over the Watergate Scandal, to become the only member of that office ever to resign in disgrace.

Politics, behind any face, is not a gallery of pretty personalities, but these politicians promoting service to America hardly establish a standard worth adopting as the nation faces the domestic challenges of this new century; housing, jobs, education, medical care, transportation infrastructure and pollution.

Those who seek to lead without addressing the needs and interests of the country and the people they represent betray the very essence of public service.