David Brooks, "The Leadership Revival": Where to Buy Political Viagra?

What the heck has happened to David Brooks? Why has he suddenly taken to blathering?

In his latest New York Times op-ed entitled "The Leadership Revival" (http://www.nytimes.com/2014/01/14/opinion/brooks-the-leadership-revival.html?ref=opinion&_r=0), Brooks begins by telling us, "If you are in politics or public life, you probably had some moment of spine-tingling transcendence." But compare Brooks's conclusion with Maureen Dowd's determination (see: http://jgcaesarea.blogspot.co.il/2014/01/maureen-dowd-thunder-road-or-working-on.html) that politicians "are narcissists and, in essence, actors stuck in the same role."

So are politicians idealists who had a moment of "spine-tingling transcendence," or are they lying narcissistic motherfu$%#!s? Unless you are a politically motivated moron, i.e. sit on the editorial board of the New York Times (see: http://jgcaesarea.blogspot.co.il/2014/01/new-york-times-editorial-another-step.html), you probably agree with Maureen.

But back to Brooks's opinion piece. How does Davie propose to ready America's next generation of leaders? Simple:

1. "apprentice yourself to a master craftsman," e.g., Ted Kennedy. Indeed that should bridge a lot of ethical quandaries.
2. "take a reality bath . . . and become a stranger in a strange land," in order to view reality more clearly upon your return. But as someone who has spent much of his life as a stranger in truly strange lands, I can attest to the fact that such a person emerges as a misanthrope, not as a realist.
3. "close off your options" . . . because "the shrewd strategy leads to impotence." Impotence? That does it! I am closing off all of my options later today, unless someone can sell me some political Viagra! At all times, I insist upon being politically erect correct!

Concerning his third step toward improved leadership and governance, Brooks further explains: "Only the person who has burned the ships and committed to one issue has the courage to cast aside the advice of the strategists and actually push through change." Well, I think we've had enough "Change" over the past five years and are prepared for a different course.

But thanks anyway, Mr. Brooks, for the flaccid highfalutin words. Since returning from book writing leave, you have once again made my morning.