The Pendragon's Hall

The Pendragon is a deeply-conflicted conservative at times. Committed to a Madisonian view of the world, that reason should prevail over mindless passion, I nevertheless find colorful political figures attractive. I mentioned to a fellow student at the University of Rochester that I regretted not living in the Progressive Era (1890-1920) or even the Age of Jackson (1824-1850ish) because then politics was very exciting. Despite the fact that I disapprove wholeheartedly of his Indian removal policy, I find it thrilling when the Supreme Court demanded one course of action, that an elected official responded, "John Marshall has made his ruling. Now let him enforce it!" And who could not love Theodore Roosevelt with his determination to break the huge corporations and make life easier for the little man? Let's face it--politicians today tend to be kind of boring. I do not intend by this to announce my formal endorsement of Rudy Giuliani but to introduce my thoughts on the recent debacle concerning fiery conservative commentator Ann Coulter, who apparently is in hot water for referring to Democratic presidential candidate John Edwards as a "faggot." Republicans and Democrats alike are scrambling to repudiate her, even my man--Mitt Romney. But the Pendragon is of two minds about this. On the one hand, Coulter, please stop shooting off your mouth so much. You're making us all look bad. On the other, well, it would explain a lot about John Edwards. Just kidding. Seriously though, how many Republican lawmakers have been mocked in terms of sexuality, race or any other thing you can think of? Senator Santorum, even in defeat, was mockingly referred to as "Rick the Dick" by liberal commentators and nobody on either side of the aisle scrambled to disassociate themselves. Let's face it, despite our constant plea for no name calling, it makes for a more fun election. Plus, if the ambulance chaser and the wicked witch are going to be involved, it makes sense. I do not hold any hatred for the homosexual community, though I strongly disagree with their lifestyle, and certainly we should not be using derogative terms for them as the worst insult leveled against someone with whom we disagree. Nevertheless, this is politics and those who can't stand the pressure should get out of the race. John Edwards went weeping to his homosexual base to ask for $10,000 "Coulter cash" to help win the nomination. I almost donated. He's a moron, but he's the least scary of all the presidential candidates on the Democratic side of the aisle.