On Second Thought...



Hindsight is wonderful. In fact, it is a great political tool. Its use can make any politician appear to be the perfect policy wonk. No matter what they have decided previously, hindsight provides cover for them as they recognize the error of their ways.

Unfortunately, it is also a totally worthless exercise, since it can be used for *any* regretful situation.

Of course this doesn't stop enterprising pols from using it to make up with their disaffected base. Take good ol' Hillary Clinton this week looked to re-establish her wartime credentials with the liberal base she will need to secure the Democratic nomination for president. She stated "Obviously, if we knew then what we know now, there wouldn't have been a vote...and I certainly wouldn't have voted that way."

So much for the courage of one's convictions and taking responsibility for ones prior actions...

Now just how disingenuous are Hill's new views on the war? Lets examine the usefulness of hindsight.

Obviously if I knew what I know now, I certainly would have bet $1000 on the Colts last night....

Obviously if I knew what I know now, I certainly would have bought Microsoft stock back in 1982...

Obviously if I knew what I know now, I certainly would not have had that second burrito last night...

See...pretty much a worthless exercise of wishful thinking. Any good outcome can become possible, and any bad outcome can be overcome. It is a revisionist's dream!

Perhaps Hillary could work on some further hindsight exercises:

Obviously if I knew what I know now, I certainly would have shredded those Rose Law firm documents...

Obviously if I knew what I know now, I certainly would not have fired those Travel Office workers....

Obviously if I knew what I know now, I certainly would have avoided cameras during the 1970s...


Posted: Tue - December 19, 2006 at 10:31 PM          

©