Ali a role model
A few years ago, my son asked me who is an ethical and courageous touchstone for young men. Without hesitation, I said Muhammad Ali.
Both our probable presidential nominees and their political intimates could use a dose of what made Ali such a great American. Hillary Clinton could be less programmed, and Donald Trump could recognize that Ali is the only “greatest.”
Especially distressing is behavior of Republican leaders who were withholding support of Trump until he moderated his awful behavior. House Speaker Paul Ryan, after supposed serious hesitation, recently endorsed Trump, even though Trump’s behavior continues. Supposing Trump did moderate his behavior, who could seriously think that he is anything other than a crude narcissist without substance?
Sen. John McCain, when he ran for president, denied his well-crafted “maverick” persona and made other fraudulent alterations about his beliefs. McCain’s behavior ruined his greatest potential contribution to the nation, that of a war hero little corrupted by politics. We needed his example more than we needed him as president.
It seems highly ironic that a loud-mouthed boxer makes many of our politicians, and probably too many of us, seem like corruptible wimps.
Lawrence Blakey
Sandpoint