The Height of Responsibility

As of Tuesday, Tom Daschle is no longer the nominee for Secretary of Health and Human Services.  He said that Tuesday morning he read a NY Times article that asked for his withdraw from the confirmation process and he did so saying "I read the New York Times this morning and I'm too much of a distraction."  Let it never again be said that the pen is not mightier than the sword.  Tom Daschle did the right thing, this was a very responsible move that was supposedly not influenced by the White House at all.

The other man to show a great deal of responsibility was President Obama.  After eight years of a man who refused to admit he made mistakes, it is a refreshing change to have Pres. Obama say, "I screwed up" in regards to the Daschle appointment.  It is unclear what he meant by that, whether he meant he was sorry Daschle was not properly vetted, he (the President) did not withdraw the nomination himself or both.  But the point is, as the President put it, responsibility does not mean being right...it means admitting when you're wrong and vowing not to repeat mistakes.

Fmr. Senate Majority Leader Tom Daschle has been using a car and driver from a friend since 2005 and racked up over $100,000 in income taxes that he did not realize he had to pay.  He payed it back, supposedly more than was owed.  However, it is clear that if he were not a former Senator he would not have even been considered given the revelations.  It was best that he step aside to avoid looking elitist...as if the law does not apply to the situation.

Governor Howard Dean who is a medical doctor is one choice to head the department.  He is my favorite for the post considering how much he had to do with the fact that Democrats now control the entire government in Washington, D.C.  He is credited with the 50 states campaign which helped get Obama elected winning states like North Carolina and Indiana that many Democrats dare not touch.  If he can sell the party, he can sell universal health care and that will be the main job.  He has my endorsement.