Whatever happened to the water's edge?
Once upon a time, politics in the United States was every bit as vicious as today -- with one exception. Regardless of political stripe or degree of demagoguery, American politicians always considered the fortunes of America first and displayed a united front internationally. National political battles "stopped at the water's edge" and the unwritten rule was solidarity when dealing with the rest of the world...
Once upon a time and until the last five years or so, another rule prevailed -- former presidents and vice-presidents never (and I mean NEVER) publicly denigrated the nation's current policies or administration. If they had nothing good to say they said nothing. This was and is a sensible practice of self-censorship because to do otherwise would undermine foreign affairs, hazard national security, and jeopardize the safety of our citizens abroad. What demons now possess al-Gore and former presidents Bill Clinton and - especially - Jimmy Carter?
So what happened? When did love of self and love of political agenda replace love of country -- and in a time of war, for Pete's sake?
It is one thing for a politician to traipse across America and voice his or her displeasure with administration policy based upon principled philosophical reasoning. That is indeed the American way and we are blessed to be able to do so. It is quite another, however, for unprincipled demagogues to mouth propaganda provided by America's enemies, pursue agendas harmful to the nation solely for political traction, ally with the media to undercut the effectiveness of and propagate lies about our national government, or vilify United States policy while speaking abroad.
Americans debasing America
What demons now possess John Kerry, Mrs. Clinton, Jimmy Carter, Russ Feingold, Ted Kennedy, Dick Durban, Nancy Pelosi, Harry Reid, and the other usual suspects? Do they care not for the welfare of America? Must they sell their souls as they sell out their own country - all for political gain?
Once upon a time, the term "Loyal Opposition" meant just that. Those in the minority party fought to extol their social and political beliefs with the hope that the American people would return them to power in the next election. Yet they did so while remaining loyal to the nation and its current government.
This was so even during the ten long, divisive years that was the Vietnam experience. Those politicians who passionately opposed the war such as Bobby Kennedy or Eugene McCarthy never publicly lied about or attempted to humiliate the national government on the world stage because they knew that it would help our nation's enemies while harming our citizens, military personnel, and prestige.
Once upon a time, those politicians of the Loyal Opposition simply would not use our internal disagreements to foment hatred of America abroad, stain the reputation of the presidency, or actively strive to undermine our national interests for the sake of a political payoff.
But that was once upon a time.