Wisdom: 

n.      the quality of being wise; power of judging rightly and following the soundest course of action, based on knowledge, experience, understanding, etc.; good judgment; sagacity. 

Synonyms:  (Good Sense) prudence, astuteness, sense, reason, clear thinking, brains, good judgment, sagacity, understanding, sanity, shrewdness, experience, practical knowledge, carefulness, vigilance, tact, balance, poise, stability, caution, solidity, hardheadedness, savoir faire (French), common sense, horse sense, savvy.

Neither wisdom nor any of its synonyms would ever be used to describe our current administration.  It is not a quality valued by the Bushies.  In fact, it appears to be consciously avoided.  People thought to be wise generally view the administration negatively.

This administration’s only forte is its skill at manipulation of the populace for political ends.  How else would such an inept and corrupt administration have been able to win two national elections and strengthen its hold on the legislative bodies?

Now, here’s the real challenge.  Who in the Democratic Party meets the test of wisdom?  The list of nationally-known names is not long. . . .

All Politics is Local

Last month I noted the website www.SurveyUSA.com which provides current polling data for all 50 states.  If you haven’t visited it yet, do take some time to see what it has for Florida and other states of interest.  In January they published approval ratings on Senators, Governors, and the President.

Among the Senators, Bill Nelson with 53% job approval (29% disapproval) tied with 6 others at 64^th out of 100.   His net job approval (approve minus disapprove) rose to 51^st in a tie with Barbara Mikulski.  The low disapproval suggests that he has been successful in avoiding controversial positions.

Martinez was a dismal 97^th at 43% (42% disapproval).  Net job approval ranked Martinez at 96^th.  It appears that Martinez is turning out to be a total dud.

This month the governors’ poll rated Jeb Bush tied with Nevada’s Guinn at 17^th with 60% approval and 37% disapproval.  He fared well in the net approval ratings at 22^nd although the drop suggests the disapproval is strong.

Florida at 29^th in net approval gave President Bush a 37% approval and 55% disapproval rating this month.  The weighted average rating for all states was 41% and 56%.  Florida’s rating swung negative from the improvement reported in December of 42% and 55%.

Thought for the Day

Speak when you are angry and you will make the best speech you will ever regret.

--Ambrose Bierce

- Jim Watson - February 11, 2006