"Are We Aboard The Caine?"

I, like many other Americans was sitting in front of my television watching Bret Bair interview President Barack Obama. I highly doubt if any of us will ever see Barack Obama on FOX ever again. He didn't like being on the spot!



As you all know I love old films, the acting was better, the plots were more interesting, and for the most part the talent was better. Humphrey Bogart was a favorite of mine, and one of his greatest performances was as Captain Queeg in the "Caine Mutiny", a movie adapted from a best selling novel by Herman Wouk. I read the book before I saw the movie and as always the book was better. Wouk pulled out each character to reveal their innermost thoughts and feelings during a time when every decision was integral to the survival of possibly thousands of people. Captain Philip Queeg was a veteran of naval battles of WWI and the north Atlantic in WWII, he was given command of the Caine. It doesn't take long to see that Capt. Queeg is edgy and uncomfortable in his new command; it later becomes obvious that Queeg is burnt out, he has seen too many battles, too much death, too much fear; he is worn too thin. Over the course of the first weeks of his command Queeg exhibits some disturbing behavior in his decisions and some of his officers begin to see that their new captain seems to be coming undone before their very eyes. Later, during a monsoon of great force, Queeg becomes frozen in terror on the bridge of the Caine. The first officer assumes command and turns the ship; he is later accused of mutiny by Queeg, who feels he has suffered with a disloyal crew and a sloppy ship. The climactic scene of the film is when Queeg takes the stand to testify. Under questioning Queeg unravels in front of the court martial board, this was Bogarts finest moment as he evoked both the ravage of his mental disturbance and realization that there was something wrong with him.

Yesterday we saw Barack Obama in an unusual situation, an interview over which he didn't have total control, and he didn't like it. Similar to Capt. Queeg Mr. Obama became visibly disturbed by pointed questions that challenged his viewpoint, his expression changed, he exhibited impatience and mild anger. Barack Obama doesn't like his world tampered with by anyone.

I'm not saying our president has mental problems; what I am saying is our president is a man who refuses to have his decisions examined by anyone. He has a feeling of omnipotence, he believes he cannot possibly be wrong.

America we are heading into a health-care "monsoon" and our "captain" is refusing to turn the ship. I only hope Barack Obama isn't America's Captain Queeg!