Let's refocus our national priorities

To the editor:

This letter may appear saturated with foot-in-mouth- or tongue-in-cheek-style dialogue (or a combination), but is our government, as a result of recent performance, in need of redemption.

I think not.

The stream of negative rhetoric targeting President Donald Trump isn’t a result of institutional flaws that got him there, as some would think. If the truth were held up to the light it would reveal a product of extreme, although somewhat hidden, jealousy streak of competitors who fell short and have mastered the art of intense whining. Too many voices crying in desperation claimed, aside from business, he lack understanding of the world beyond our shores.

President Trump, perhaps wishing to embrace a taste of high drama and not content with sitting on yesterday’s goals, outmaneuvered all opposition. He may be short on the mysteries (or is it a science) of politics, but that isn’t a critical defect as those chosen to surround of chief executive can part the turbulent political seas or at least navigate the murky waters on his behalf.

His manneristic approach to various challenges, according to some, is mired in controversy and lacks the necessary traditional polish normally associated with refined Beltway conduct. But it reality, his lifelong habits follow him. Some claim he leads with a light touch and others that he’s lacking direction.

Cleansing (swamp-draining) Capital Hill has merit. Some members who’ve climbed that Hill, in or out of the shadows of others, if held power to rally chickens would convince them voting for Colonel Sanders to open additional restaurants is beneficial to their longevity.

Our president obviously isn’t flawless. If following Catholic doctrine was his chosen faith, he’d fall short of Opus Dei entry, but no doubt ascend at the end as he is too tough to burn. Drawbacks aren’t hindrances to higher achievements. We need to extend our courtesy of positive attitude to our president, who occupies such lofty and exalted perch.

Other issues, although laced with irony and a whiff of humor, are worthy of mention. Let’s terminate the modern Keystone Cop charade over Russian vote meddling and direct our talents to solving cold cases of greater domestic related importance.

The cornerstone of the U.S. Capital was dedicated by President George Washington during a Masonic ceremony in September 1793, which signifies it lies in the northeast corner. Fast forward to March 2017. Tom Brady’s Super Bowl jersey was the target of thieves and was within days located in Mexico, but as of 2018, the high-priced Washington sleuths have failed, after numerous attempts, at locating that large, historical marker that has lied immobile for 225 years. Charles Lindbergh’s logbook was taken upon landing in Paris in 1927. Not a national security issue, but the CIA and NSA need to mobilize a task force and journey to France.

I will exit this personal collection of thoughts and opinions by exposing that President Warren G. Harding’s (1921-1923) misdeed has lied dormant for too long. An avid gambler, history reveals he lost a set of White House china in a poker game. It’s a safe bet this historical tableware was never a candidate for landfills or utilized as dog dishes. Therefore, it’s continued existence is certainly within reason, enhancing the recovery odds.

Perhaps redirecting the proper assets to achieve this endeavor is certainly within rational thought. Or shall we continue to squander a princely sum of time, money and resources on “he said, she said” daily episodes that constantly dominate Capital Hill priorities.

Respectfully,

Roy L. Leverich

Portland