From his eyrie on a lower elevation of Mount Olympus, looking from his position in terms of distance and ethical/political superiority, The Great Will (TGW) pronounces on subjects of concern. His missive today is titled ‘The haze of humanitarian imperialism’. It seems that TGW has developed a political scruple about Humanitarian Imperialism, in contrast to the bold, ruthless, unapologetic Imperialism of the Bush Restoration. Is it the Humanitarianism that is the crux of his vexation? Certainly the invasion, devastation and brutality of the Iraq invasion or it’s precursor in Afghanistan remain in an intellectual/moral limbo, in this argument against the Libyan intervention? He has perhaps channeled the political/ethical and rhetorical spirit of Orwell, if only as a convenience, of this historical moment. But he does sound a note of caution in regards the words ‘rebels’ and ‘insurgents’ and their meanings in the world of political actualities, surely as cautionary? His use of literary and musical references is his homage to his own cultural breadth. A number of prominent American politicians are the subject of his ire: John Kerry, Lindsey Graham and John McCain and of course, the political weakness of President Obama is of utmost and perennial concern. And a comparison with Jimmy Carter’s ineffectual Iran Mission is telling, but probably of interest only to an ideologue like himself , as argumentative fuel to stoke his low burning fire, in fact, it might even be embers. The last paragraph is a quotation from Calvin Coolidge properly and ideologically garnished for the occasion:
‘As Calvin Coolidge, who knew his depth, was leaving the presidency in March 1929, he said, “Perhaps one of the most important accomplishments of my administration has been minding my own business.” Before an administration can do that, it must define its responsibilities and competence with sufficient modesty to acknowledge that some things are not its business.’
Calvin Coolidge left office in March 1929 and on October 29,1929, Black Tuesday occurred ,ushering in The Great Depression. Perhaps President Coolidge should have minded the people’s business!
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