Thinkers Incorporated

 

“So many times it happens too fast
You trade your passion for glory
Don’t lose your grip on the dreams of the past
You must fight just to keep them alive

It’s the eye of the tiger, it’s the thrill of the fight
Risin’ up to the challenge of our rival
And the last known survivor stalks his prey in the night
And he’s watchin’ us all with the eye of the tiger” – Survivor

In a recent interview, Speaker of the House John Boehner proclaimed that he ‘absolutely’ trusted President Obama, given that they have developed a close personal relationship.

Last week, Ted Cruz stated during his CPAC keynote address that he would not trust any president, Republican or Democrat.

Though both are Republicans, the differences between these two men are rather stark. John Boehner is at the probable height of his political career as the highest ranking Republican in the nation. Cruz, meanwhile, just assumed office in January. Cruz is a first-generation American, while Boehner’s family has strong Ohio roots. Cruz attended both Princeton and Harvard Law School, Boehner went to Xavier University and graduated with a degree in Business Administration.

The differences in their attitudes towards the administration are also quite opposite. Boehner has continually offered olive branches to the most liberal president in recent memory. Cruz entered the Senate with guns blazing against the establishment. He hasn’t voted in favor of an important bill yet.

The situation is pitifully ironic, and demonstrative of what is wrong with modern conservatism. Boehner works with the administration, announcing his trust in Barack Obama.  His actions occur at a critical moment, in the midst of a debt and budget crisis that will go a long way in determining the size and scope of the federal government for years to come. On one side is the Left, which insists on the rapid expansion of governmental budgets and control. On the other is the Right, which is attempting to limit this advance. Boehner’s situation is like Robert E. Lee stating that he absolutely trusts Lincoln during Gettysburg.

Meanwhile, Cruz, the junior Washington newcomer, picks up the pieces of what’s left of the conservative movement. From joining Rand Paul in his filibuster of John Brennan’s confirmation to providing a platform for the new direction of the Republican Party in his CPAC keynote speech, Senator Cruz pulls no punches. When the top dogs abdicate leadership in lieu of currying political favor with the other side, the gap is filled by those willing to stand by principle.

Trust is an important word. We use it in context with those we love or know exceedingly well. It is not something thrown around lightly by wise men. John Boehner demonstrated a clear lack of leadership and character with his usage of the word while Ted Cruz showed his quality by his word choice.