Not Your Sweetie

[new] (#263) (Rated 5.00/1)

by WesWing04 on 02/11/2004 06:27:24 PM EST

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I came late to the draft movement -- the August 25 "Buchanan & Press" appearance, which Barry McCaffrey was co-hosting, clinched it for me:  Bill Press was badgering Clark about whether he would get in the race, and asked, "Are you the kind of a guy who would run from a fight?"  Clark very humbly and gallantly replied, "I never have."  Well I liked the guy before but I fell in love with him then!  A silly reason, but that did it for me.  I found you all via the old blog and through that,  got hooked up with my state's (WA) efforts for the General once he announced he was in.  I don't blog nearly as much as in the beginning, just because I got so busy w/the campaign in the real (read non-virtual) world.  But I lurked and posted when I had something to say, and was always, always inspired by the commitment, humor, inclusiveness, and intelligence I found here.  It's always been a reflection of General Clark in that way. 
I guess I'll sleep now more than 4 hours a night.  I can stop checking ARG and Zogby compulsively, running through the Yahoo "Wesley Clark slideshow" 3 times a day, and suffering the pundits (none of whom can hold a candle to Wes Clark).  Oh, also I can stop using every "make-a-wish" opportunity (fallen eyelash, wishbone, birthday candles, etc.) on the Clark candidacy.  My friends, family, co-workers, neighbors and complete strangers will not be subject to my talking points and speeches about Clark's policies and qualifications, nor implored anymore to contribute contribute contribute.  I guess it all adds up to a return to "normal life"?  Outside the 4 walls of my house, for the last 5+ months, this has been the most important thing to me.  I know it's time to let go, but it's going to take a while. 
But while I'm feeling sorry for myself, I think of what Wes Clark did.  He elevated the level of political discourse with his class, smarts, and genuine compassion for regular people.  For those of us who had been stunned into silence and inaction by 9/11 and then the arrogance of this administration, he made the world SAFE for us to articulate that we were patriots but disagreed with the direction our country was going in -- remember "dissent protects democracy"?  What a concept!  He kept a smile on his face when the media marginalized him, pinheads like Novak and Scarborough questioned his ability to lead, Shelton and the lesser lights dissed him, and Maureen Dowd questioned his sartorial choices (I for one never thought the argyle was all that bad. . . ).  And so much more.  The man is now and forever my hero!  Cheesy as it sounds, this is the start of a new chapter.  I wish you all the very, very best, and am truly sorry I won't meet you all at the inauguration.  Good night and good luck!  God bless Wesley Clark!