What a crappy thing to do to the American taxpayer. Does he still receive a percentage of the Federal Election funds while his campaign is "suspended"? Does he actually believe that, even if he does take the Podium at the RNC Convention, anyone will listen to a single word this malignant fool utters?
True to form, Cain did today what he has done from the beginning. Follow me below the squgglethingey, and let's talk about it.
I am of the conviction (no longer an opinion) that it is democracy itself which is under attack in America today. I do not know why that seems so far-fetched, but it does. And, from the looks of things, democracy is on the ropes.
Some say the system is broken, irreversibly broken. To these folks, a new system is neeed. I disagree. The system is sick, but has a physician that can stem the blood flow, and begin to reverse the illness. This will require a lengthy recovery, probably longer than I will live. The treatment of choice for this malignancy?
Citizenship. American citizenship, that is. Not Democratic or Republican, Libertarian or Green Party citizenship. Understand the distinction. One thing that citizens do NOT do is to simply point the finger at someone else, saying that "It's THEIR fault!". Citizens do not flee the process simply because it is a seeming impossible hill to climb and conquer. In the final analysis, the survival of American democracy lies with those who have American power: her citizens. It is on this point that I would hope we might agree.
Herman Cain sees things differently. According to his statement today, the reason he is "suspending" his campaign lies specifically at the fault of "them". Untrue claims against his honor, he says. Much more importantly, he very carefully included with each iteration of this the accompanying phrase "unproven charges" against him. I happen to disagree with him on that, as I am aware that the National Restaurant Association paid more than one settlement because of his membership in that organization. At least THEY thought there was sufficient proof of his miscreant behavior to forestall a full legal determination of his guilt or innocence.
No. "They" have brought pain to his wife, his family and himself. "They" have caused distraction because the "political elite" don't like him. Poor Herman. He continued in this false and arrogant vein throughout his entire statement. Even as he boasted "Plan B", he refused to accept the first iota of personal responsibility for his words, his deeds, or his hubris.
It's easy to admit that you've made mistakes in your life--especially when you do not feel compelled to specify even so much as a single mistake. Hubris, plain and simple. This man plays the race card with every sentence, it seems, yet decries anyone who dares to tell him they are aware of the fact. Arrogance. He is, in his mind, the first African American President. Ummm, not quite. Well, the first "qualified", at any rate. (Thanks, Donald!)
Citizenship does not seek to place blame. Citizenship seeks to provide solutions, and implement those solutions which are in the best interest of the nation. This is a foreign concept to most, if not all the current Presidential candidates. My theory is that this is true because the citizenry is not requiring anything else from those candidates. If it were merely another election, things might well be different. The fact that there are those who want us to believe that this IS just another election does not make it fact. I have called, and am now calling, and will continue to call on every citizen of the United States to dare to BE a citizen.
This election holds no promise for democracy's survival as it currently exists. Only citizens of America can change that reality. Herman Cain shows us the worst in our candidates--and the worst in ourselves. His "suspending" his campaign is, to me, an ultimate mark of arrogance. It's not just a technical term. He has not folded his tent, and gone back to wherever it is that he came from. No. His egotistic self NEEDS the status. His campaign could rise up. Now, given the Clown Car he has been driving of late, attrition can work in your favor! If he is so pained, perhaps removing himself from the public conversation would bring less "pain" to his wife, his family and himself. He has shown anyone with an IQ higher than a Turnip (my apology to all Turnips!) that he is absolutely NOT a Presidential Candidate of the highest (or any other, in my personal view) quality.
We, as citizens, must not merely observe. Democracy is a spectator sport. As citizens, we must begin a new dialogue, and we must begin that conversation NOW. Any idea, plan, or platform must be viewed as it relates to the very best interests of the citizens of this nation. Herman Cain either could not, or would not do this.
He is, in my mind, an absolute megalo-maniac, second only to G. W. Bush. His arrogance and unmitagated gaul before the national spotlight have been enlightening, and even at times entertaining. Good riddance!
We do not have time to BE entertained. Our nation's soul is on the line. As was the concluding question at every dinner table conversation of my youth, so is it my closing question to you:
"What are YOU going to do about it?"