Wouldn't that be wonderful?

I think it's difficult for most politicians to be nice to the opposition. So many Republicans find it nearly impossible to be nice to Democrats. And you don't find many Democrats being nice to Republicans. Hostility has built over the years. Especially recent years. Almost as if the two political parties are at war with each other. So far, Barack Obama has tried to play it nice. Polite. Suggesting he's ready and willing to listen to Republicans. Even putting two of 'em into his cabinet. And he's invited conservative Republicans to cocktail parties at the White House. It's a nice try. An effort to bring about some degree of harmony. Camaraderie. Cooperation. Give and take. Certainly, a sharp contrast to the highly partisan George Bush administration. But I suspect Obama is fighting a losing cause. Ain't in the nature of most politicians to cooperate with those across the aisle. Not in America. My guess is that Obama is willing to turn the other cheek. Take a slap or two or three. But in the end, he'll start slapping back. Can't blame him, I suppose. My style is to turn the other cheek for awhile. But sooner or later, I declare that enough is enough. And I stand up for principle. And wow. I slap back. Now maybe Obama is the exception. If he slaps back, it'll be much later. Maybe Obama has true religion. And takes the adage to turn the other cheek very, very seriously. Growing up in a mixed race family -- that probably taught him an immense amount of understanding. And tolerance. How to deal with racism, for instance. How to counter racists. In kindly and subtle ways. That might make dealing with Republicans a lot easier. After all, Obama has dealt with the worst of the worst because he grew up black. Obama may be a little like Nelson Mandela. The forgiving sort. Allowing bygones to be bygones. And getting on with the rest of life. Could be that we Americans are blessed with the right kind of leader at just the right time. Wouldn't that be wonderful? --Jim Broede