h2g2 The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy: Earth Edition

Front page two days in a row.

The FP has lost its magic for me But yeah, good.

Is anything wrong?

(there wasn't)

Did you know Truman was more unpopular at his low than Nixon was at his?

Yes I knew that. I still think Truman was a good President. And not just because it annoys you for me to say so.

But, the times make the man - not the other way around. I suppose you'll want to argue about that, too. People (good people, not everyone) find strength and nobility of character when they're faced with great challenges. As a nation we have generally been fortunate enough to have leaders who rose to the situation. Not always. Not now.

You can sneer at Truman all you want, but he stepped into a horrible situation - one he wasn't prepared for - and made tough decisions when he had to. I like him.

He wasn't unpopular for some of those things though. His healthcare plan tanked.

He didn't bat 1.000. None of them do.

He batted .22 at one time, actually In a nation that was about 50% Democratic, he once had a disapproval rating of 65%.

That's why he didn't have a prayer of beating Dewey.

Being popular and being right (or conversely being unpopular and being wrong) aren't necessarily the same thing.

That's what the Bushies are telling themselves right now...

Well, it's true. Not in Shrub's case, however.

I am so upset with our governor. I really wish he would be kidnapped by Vogons and forced to listen to them recite poetry.

My governor's worse

Who're we to say that Bush isn't right? Lincoln was unpopular for much of his term.

You make an excellent point. Future historians may treat him more kindly than the polls of today.

No, your governor isn't worse than mine. Maybe just as bad. So, when is he going to jail?

Yes, mine's worse. He's always been a bad governor. This is just adding insult to injury.
Have you been keeping up with Kentucky's guv'na? Terrible...

I have heard bits and pieces. Don't know the whole story, I'm sure.

How do these guys get elected?

Here's what I've got so far. Engaged in some spoils politics, some friends of his in his administration were in trouble, so he pardoned them.

Stupid

Very stupid.

My governor isn't doing illegal stuff as far as I know. (Although he took money from Tom Delay - don't know if that will jump up and bite him or not.) He is just so incredibly ambitious that he always, always puts his career above everything else. He is determined to beat his old man to the White House. And he will do whatver it takes. Which means formulating his policy to suit potential contributors. And if the state goes down the tube in the meantime, then he doesn't care.

His father is so much better at PR. He is a wonderful speaker and is genuinely charming. You can meet him once and five years later he will remember you. He's amazing that way. And he has principles. I don't always agree with his political views, but I admire him in many ways. But the son....Pah! A pox on him.

Too ambitious? Pah. Two words - Edwin Stanton.

I thought this fadduh was your Rep?

He is. And I didn't vote for him and won't. Because I disagree with him on the issues. But he is a consumate politician. That's what I meant by saying I admire him. Anyone wanting to make a career in politics should study him.