Antonio's Folly
Why is This Man Smiling?
All wins are not created equal, and while the expectations game is sometimes unfair, sometimes it is illustrative of something important. Our mayor almost lost without any real opposition. Almost every vote was some kind of protest vote. Yes, some small percentage was racist and anti-Hispanic, but most was simply a rejection of Villaragosa's style. Now, this might seem trivial, that is to judge him on style. However in the absence of accomplishments and substance, what's left?
I heard no passion for him from any segment of my friends and acquaintances. My Hispanic friends--both American born and immigrants--expressed a nearly uniform lack of enthusiasm for him. Many expressed disdain for his ethics, antics and, what Earl correctly characterized as "mugging." He is the energizer bunny of politics, finding every photo-shoot, but where are the accomplishments? He has a big war chest and even bigger ambition. Like almost every mayor of Los Angeles he wants to become our governor. He should ask Governors Hahn, Riordan, Bradley and Yorty how well that works. These results should get his attention and maybe focus him on accomplishing something here before setting his ambitious eyes elsewhere.
©2009 Jonathan Dobrer
www.Dobrer.org
Jonathan, all you said is correct, except what's really in Antonio's mind and in his mind he sees himself as the first hispanic president of the United States of America.
He knows how to smile.
As he did before, he will play the race card.
He loves to travel.
The segment of the latino population is growing and growing.
He loves to talk and make promises (even if he knows that he cannot realize them.)
He seems to be a bit too short, but, after Reagan and Obama...well, this is still the land of opportunity...
Well, Dante, you're certainly right about his ambition. I think it will be frustrated by reality.
He has two years to achieve something in LA before testing his state-wide fundraising possibilities. In an economic downturn, this will not be easy--or, in my view, possible. Crime is likely to increase and infrastructure further deteriorate. Schools are unlikely to improve and I think he'll be fatally politically wounded by reality. Fairly or unfairly, if he claims any part of the credit for a falling crime rate (in certain categories), he'll pay the price on the other side.
I don't see west side or state-wide money coming to him just for his pretty smile. I think he's a dead politician walking.