Slate's Bizbox
the breakfast table: An e-mail conversation about the news of the day.

Margo Howard and Martin Peretz

the breakfast table
entries
12345678910111213141516
from: Margo Howard

Good Luck, Dubya

Posted Thursday, Jan. 18, 2001, at 3:23 PM ET

Dear Marty,

I have read and heard various synonyms for the word "frightened" applied to our incoming president, but never that word itself. If that is the perception abroad, it will be simply awful. I can't think of a previous president who was considered "frightened" (intellectually challenged, perhaps ... but not frightened). Contemplating this is quite a thought. And then, of course, there is W.'s admission that life begins at 40, which has caused some AA people to question his understanding and resolution of his addictive past.

As if we needed proof, the old newsman's bromide is still true: If it bleeds, it leads, and sex sells. Jesse Jackson's casa chica is on radio, television, and in the public prints. The New York Daily News reports that during the Lewinsky scandal, a forgiving Jesse Jackson said, "Sex is not the only string on the guitar. There are nine more commandments." And so little time ...

The Ronnie White testimony was on NPR. I would agree with Sen. Ashcroft that his blocking of White was not about race. I think it was, rather, about a vendetta and an old grudge. They say Teddy may stage a filibuster. If any gasbag senator is tailor-made for that chore, it is he. Old Teddy the K is a good senator, he is my senator, but what a wreck of a man.

As we are but a few days and hours from inaugurating our new president, I do wish him well, as a citizen of this country. I also hope, through some miraculous turn of events, he will be well-guided and not operate simply as the instrument of big oil and big business. He has always been handed everything ... the entree and acceptance to fine schools, courtesy of his family; the ball team and the millions, courtesy of friendly boosters; and--this still takes my breath away--the presidency, by the Supreme Court. I do have a wish, though--that the importance of the position will encourage and allow him to grow into an effective and fair leader. So let us wish much good luck to George W., for whom a journey of a thousand miles begins with ... a private jet.

Ciao, kiddo. See ya.

XX
Margo

</?xml:namespace>

the breakfast table
entries
12345678910111213141516
from: Margo Howard

Good Luck, Dubya

Posted Thursday, Jan. 18, 2001, at 3:23 PM ET
Print This ArticlePRINTDiscuss this in The FrayDISCUSSEmail to a FriendE-MAIL
Share on FacebookPost to MySpace!Share with MixxDigg ThisShare with RedditShare with del.icio.usShare with FurlShare with Ma.gnolia.comShare with SphereShare with Stumble Upon
Margo Howard writes Slate's "Dear Prudence" column. Martin Peretz is a lecturer in social studies at Harvard and editor in chief and chairman of the New Republic.
Join the Fray: our reader discussion forum
What did you think of this article?
POST A MESSAGE | READ MESSAGES
Washington Post
The Washington Post
OPINIONS
Imagine if...
Hiatt | What if McCain had waged his campaign based on respect?
Editorial: Meddlesome PalinKing: The Danger of Palin Power