"...and you're no Jack Kennedy"

Lloyd Bentsen died today. I guess all the rest of his career as a Representative and Senator was washed aside by the impact of his retort to Dan Quayle, arguably the most "don't get it" candidate the Republicans ever put forward. After Quayle was comparing his record to Jack Kennedy's, Bentsen took umbrage that this silly goose should even mention himself in the same sentence with JFK, and responded, if I may quote loosely, " I served with Jack Kennedy, I knew Jack Kennedy, Jack Kennedy was a friend of mine, and frankly, you're no Jack Kennedy." This was perhaps the most impacting riposte I have ever heard, perhaps on a par with Robert Welch's comment to the infamous Joe McCarthy, "...have you no decency, sir.?"

Though the impact of these comments was intense, the underlying reality was the cosmic lack of human sensitivity evidenced by Quayle and McCarthy that brought these remarks forth. I think we are awash with much of the same today. Lloyd Bentsen, Robert Welch, where are you when we need you.? Will someone please step up to the plate.

End of Ruminations for today, 5.23.06