"Behind Closed Doors"

Most of my readers know I like baseball. I'm a lifelong White Sox fan, and proud of it! I like baseball history and have spent much time watching Bob Costas on his specials about the old time ball players of "way back when". As a boy, I remember those names like Ruth and Gherig as great icons of the game; as great heroes. I remember my great uncle Salvatore talking about Ty Cobb with reverence. Cobb, a devastating batsman and fielder was also known for his fierce competitive spirit. He would slide into a base with his spikes held high in the air, using them as a weapon against a potential tag by the opposing infielder. Unknown to many of the fans of his day, Ty Cobb was also a Georgia boy, and a stone cold racist. Cobb was a hater. Of course, the newspapers of the day never said anything about this; such a revelation would have been taboo about a man who was the hero to so many of America's youth. Behind closed doors Cobb was quite verbal about his feelings, careful not to let the general public know his true feelings, thus protecting his image.

Behind closed doors many things are said that are not for public consumption. When those "confidential" remarks escape those closed doors, we see sides of people that we don't expect.

Recently, we have had a look behind closed doors at the White House. Alleged conversation between Sen. Jon Kyl (R-Ariz.) and President Barack Obama states that Mr. Obama has no intention to enact any border reform until he can obtain comprehensive immigration reform. If this is true, it means that Obama is holding the border hostage for political reasons. If this is true, it is a despicable act for a Chief Executive who is sworn to protect our borders.

Before I condemn Obama, I want to talk about Jon Kyl. Who is he? In April of 2006, Mr. Kyl was listed by Time magazine as one of "America's 10 best Senators". The National Journal listed him as one of the top conservative senators in the nation. He has served on the Republican Policy Committee as chairman, and the Republican Conference chairman. He is the Senate Minority Whip. He is extremely popular with his constituency winning his last election with a 53.3% majority victory. Kyl has a proven track record of integrity in office; his word is good. I find it difficult to believe that Senator Kyl would fabricate a conversation to achieve a political end; with his popularity among voters, it would be foolish and unnecessary. I believe Mr. Kyl is telling the truth. Accepting Kyl's statement as truthful reveals some damning character traits about Barack Obama. It shows a Chief Executive who will put his political agenda ahead of the good of the American people. Citizens' safety is secondary to politics. It shows a willingness to sacrifice the lives and well being of Americans in order to maneuver the public into accepting his point of view. He knows all the poll numbers, as does the American people, yet he continues in his personal vision, even if it means being derelict in his duty to protect our borders. I'm quite interested in seeing Mr. Obama's reply in this situation. Behind closed doors is the real man. Is this the man America voted for!?