"It's Still Just Me"

Let me state this from the outset, I am in no way, shape or form comparing or equating John Boehner with one of the greatest great men of history, but Roger Simon's analysis of Boehner's entrance onto the political big stage has me in mind of pithiness, humility and what the combination thereof says about a man. A pithy and self-effacing approach to a momentous occasion is not proof of character but this combination of attributes has a long history of accompanying men of great character as they navigate great challenges. Perhaps the best example is George Washington's speech to his officers on the brink of insurrection against the fledgling civilian government. It seems the power of oratory failed, but the power of character prevailed as Washington made no headway until he had to take out his reading spectacles to read a letter..."Gentlemen," said Washington, "you will permit me to put on my spectacles, for I have not only grown gray but almost blind in the service of my country." This brought grown men, men hardened by war, to tears.

"It's still just me" is hardly the stuff of eloquence and we are hardly living in the uncertain, tenuous, yet heady days of the early republic...but but but...just maybe...perhaps, there might be, in those four words, cause for a little optimism in the incipient Speakership of John Boehner.