Recently, what with the challenge Ned Lamont is posing Senator Leiberman for the primary nomination, I've heard several reasons for why people continue to support old Holy Joe. Some are fairly reasoned, some are not, and some are plain rediculous. What strikes me is how many people argue his seniority or name recognition as a reason to keep him in office, saying power is a reason to keep him in place.
I find this idea puzzling; allow me to paraphrase an old story to explain why.
Four Samurai lords are having tea with their Daimyo, when he poses a question to them: what single quality is most important in a Samurai?
The first argues Strength at arms, for without it, a Samurai cannot defend his lord or enforce his will.
The Second says Bravery, arguing that without it a Samurai's strength is useless, as he'll be too cowardly to fight.
The Third argues Cunning, suggesting that all the strength and bravery in the world are meaningless if he cannot understand where, when, and how to fight.
The Fourth, and final lord, known for his trechery, argues Loyalty. For without it, all your man's strength, bravery, and loyalty will win the day - but not for you, for your enemies who seduced him away with gifts and bribery.
When we in CT vote in the primaries, we have two choices. In the incumbents corner stands a man with seniority, with political capital, with power, with allies on the other side of the aisle, who will use all this power to support our continued deployment in Iraq. In the challengers corner stands a man with none of these, but instead is by all accounts a good and loyal man, who will use what power he has to bring our soldiers home.
I would rather Ned Lamont as a freshman senator working for us over Leiberman's seniority working against us.