Clinton, Cops, and China

By Ron Dupuis

During any political campaign, the underdog always wants to debate the perceived leader. The leader never wants to debate the underdog. The reasons are clear. The underdog has nothing to lose; the leader has nothing to gain.
With his sweep of 10 primary wins in a row, it is clear to many of us, without question, that Barrack Obama will be the Democratic nominee for the office of president of the United States. His "Kennedy" style message is resonating well with the left leaning socialist currently controlling their party. Conversely, Hillary's message of "experience" seems to be falling on deaf ears.
I spoke with a few Obama supporters this week and they all seemed to echo the same concerns. Hillary's eight years as first lady should not be deemed as "experience." In fact, some people view her health care policy that was touted, and defeated, during her husband's first term as president, was less of an administration "policy" and more of a strategy to attain position and power by an interfering, uncontrollable shrew. Some political activist even feel that Hillary's election to the Senate was more of a result of her husband's popularity and that her move from the political left to the political center was a deliberate calculation in order to be more acceptable to the general public during this current run for the White House.
In the coming months Hillary Clinton will realize that she has lost. That is, if she has not done so already. She will continue to badger Obama into a debate, which, if he is smart, he will refuse. She will also begin some political strong arming of the delegates who are already committed, the so called "Super delegates that are not committed, anyone else that would further her quest if by some strange occurrence this entire process ends up at a brokered convention.
When all is said and done, the fact is that Hillary is not a very well liked person, even among her own. The prize is lost and Barack Obama is the winner.

On a more personal note: Last week I met three of the most professional police officers I have encountered in more than 25 years — Chief Jeremy Sullivan, Sergeant Dave Hobbs, and Patrolman Tim Hamlin of the Hampton Police Department.
Years ago, I, your humble columnist, worked as a police officer. I was wounded in the line of duty while arresting an armed robber. The injury was serious enough to medically retire. I went to Chief Sullivan, told him the story and requested a ride along in order to compare police works and officers of today as compared to over a quarter of a century ago. The chief was more than accommodating. There will be a full account of my adventures while observing the Hampton Police Department keeping its citizens safe and sound in an upcoming column. For now, thank you Chief Sullivan, thank you Sergeant Hobbs, and thank you Patrolman Tim Hamlin. You and your fellow officers are all heroes in my book.

On an even more personal note: A few month ago the Dupuis family complained one evening that whenever we have "Chinese food night" we always order it out. "How come we never go to a restaurant" was the question? I told them it was "my humble opinion" that Chinese food should be eaten from boxes at home, in front of a roaring fire, or, at the very least, a TV. They disagreed vehemently. In order to prove my point next month the Dupuis family will be traveling to Beijing, China. We will be visiting the Great Wall, Tiananmen Square, and the Ming Tombs, to name a few. We will also be eating in restaurants. Stay tuned.