Arlan Specter walks among the living - with centrists rather than anyone in the extreme politically. That was made abundantly clear yesterday in his switch to the Democratic Party.
Was it merely a politically convenient move?
No, although, as he himself noted in a news conference, it's disturbing when a Republican of great seniority has difficulty in getting on the Republican primary ballot in his home state of Pennsylvania.
His numerous committee chairs and co-chairs distinguish the man in foreign, military and monetary affairs. He's a good man. Plain and simple.
Yes, plainly that is so. But by no means is he simple and, in fact, may be quite complex.
He was quick to point out that his party switch does not constitute an automatic, silver bullet against a Republican filibuster.
Naturally, as every news report, including that of the new York Times reported: "Democrats were jubilant about the development."
Now, that's certainly not mere comic jubilation from the Cornpone of Al Capp's "Dogpatch" fame.
For my part, I consider that the Dems have in Arlan a far more dependable ally than the fence-jumping Lieberman - who thoroughly embarrassed his own party during the 2007 election.
Specter himself quoted JFK in saying, "Whatever my party affiliation, I will continue to be guided by President Kennedy's statement that sometimes a party asks too much. When it does,I will continue my independent voting and follow my conscience on what I think is best for Pennsylvania and America."
I find that not just refreshing, but a millennial "profile in courage" much like what John F. Kennedy described in the book by the same name prior to his 1959 campaign for the Presidency.
Courage, after all, is much in demand these days, as is honesty.
Whereas former fellow Republican ( No. 2 in the Senate) Jon Kyl of Arizona called this matter "a real problem" and, also, Republican Senator Olympia Snowe of Maine - one of few remaining Republican moderates and a supporter of Obama fiscal policy - reflected publicly that the switcheroo reflected a climate of burgeoning inhospitality to Republican moderates, Democrats have ample reason for welcoming Arlan.
One is left head spinning and intellect careening in an attempt to establish political bearings with the many and conflicting personalities on the U.S. political map.
This author can only remember that Specter was always incisive in his committee hearings no matter what the subject or the person he had before him.
That commands respect.
One can only speculate what, in the end, one has to do for a little respect these days. Rodney Dangerfield made an entire career of that quest for fair understanding.
I hope Arlan has at last found what Rodney only dreamed of.
Charles L. Riccillo is a journalist with nearly 100 articles to his credit for the Pueblo Chieftain. He writes broadly on the arts, life style, and other subjects.
