Regarding Dana Milbank’s Nov. 6 column, “Obama could use some Kennedy aggressiveness”: Milbank quotes Chris Matthews’ book about the “ruthlessness” of the Kennedy brothers, who used “intimidation” and “mob style” tactics in disposing of their opponents. “Jack preferred killing a politician to wounding one. A wounded tiger was more dangerous than either a living or a dead one.”
So much for the code of “Camelot.” Milbank contends Obama doesn’t have the same tendencies, but needs to employ Kennedy’s tactics if he wants to be re-elected. He states that “Sometimes that’s how it must be. Can Obama understand that?”
I applaud Milbank for his candor, but take great exception to his endorsement of “ends justify the means” politics. I also don’t agree with his contention that Obama is a non-threatening “Sir Lancelot.” He’s just as ruthless, using surrogates to carry out his directions. His lieutenants are now in Chicago digging up dirt on Republican Herman Cain just as they did in taking out his former Illinois Senate opponents. At General Motors he reduced the holdings of secured creditors, putting the UAW union before them in the bankruptcy proceedings and thereby trashing contract law. He later fired the CEO for calling their company “Government Motors.” Both firsts for a president.
Examine how he dishes out favors and cash to the likes of CEO Jeffery Immelt of GE and big campaign contributors like Solyndra. He’s elevated crony capitalism to an unprecedented level. Don’t worry, Dana, Obama is ruthless enough.
Robert Johnston
Camano Island
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