The Larry Kane Report

First of all, happy holidays to everyone.

I find this season and this time-period in general, the final quarter of 2011, is seriously grim. From the Sandusky crisis at Penn State, the Bill Conlin mess, the gutless political mindset in Washington, the hypocrisy of so many of our leaders, it has been a season of disappointment and doubt. And yet the American people  are better than the negative stories that have enveloped the nation. When I meet people, I still see smiles and optimism, individual bursts of kindness and courtesy. It has always been that way; the people rising amidst the turmoil surrounding them.

It is amazing. After all, we’ve watched selfish political leaders, hardly patriots, more like pretenders, walking away from compromise. They are the men and women of vengeance rather than the representatives of the people. We worry about the safety of our children, especially when we read the accusations of abuse. In a more bizarre way, some lawmakers in Washington shame their offices with ego-curdling attacks on the First Lady and others in power.  There are so few class acts on the national scene.

Open microphones pick up slander and sinister intentions.

Our candidates are, sometimes scary. We have a man running for President, a doctor, who favors pot-smoking, some forms of prostitution, and rejects any form of health care legislation. The man, Ron Paul, attacks our strong ally in the Middle East, Israel, while disgracing our living and dead soldiers who did so much, and care so much, by suggesting that we stay away from wars, even when the national interest is a priority. We live in a land where politicians and some radio broadcasters play the race card every day. Remember Rwanda?

It’s grim. But you feel a little better when average people do extraordinary things for others, and do it quietly and with resolve. It’s what many of you do all through your lives.

The problem is that we have few heroes among our public figures, and millions of rather quiet heroes who do their thing out of the spotlight.  Sadly, though, it’s the public people who set examples and lower the bar for gross human behavior. When a stupid celebrity does something stupid, they are setting examples for young people. When a petulant athlete acts badly, younger athletes take the ball and repeat the examples .

We need some public heroes, especially in this community, people who take risks for the common good, especially in a time when many public people are accused of ugly crimes, bad behavior, and hateful acts.

Peace on Earth? Maybe.

Good Will Toward Men?  We’ve got a way to go.

Suddenly, long-dismissed Newt Gingrich is the Republican frontrunner for President, and the super conservative may be hard to beat in Iowa and the South. That is Mitt Romney’s challenge. And frankly, as an analyst, I’m stunned by Romney’s rather lightweight approach to fighting back. His latest gambit – calling Gingrich and his campaign “zany.” Yes, he’s put up millions of dollars in ads attacking the Gingrich movement,  but his words are careful, hardly filled with passion. Romney seems like a tiger surrounded in a hunter’s trap and unable to figure a way out. For his part, Gingrich is not going for the jugular, happy to be in front. He is desperately trying to look Presidential. He doesn’t want to slip. He is notorious fur making campaign mistakes.

So, two questions. Why is Romney waiting to go on the attack? Does he know something that we don’t know? And why is moderate favorite Jon Huntsman so quiet, and unable to make news? In the meantime, opinion polls show a split personality for President Obama. 44 percent of the people approve of his job performance. 80 percent believe he’s done a poor job on the economy. Yet, nearly 67 percent believe he has the qualities of leadership.

These ratings, along with the Republican discord, could mean good news for the President.

For Mitt Romney, the time is now to stand up and take some chances. It’s the old story: no guts, no glory.

He would be wise to stop trying to portray Gingrich as zany, and explain why he. Romney, is the better choice to lead the country.

Herman Cain is out – and with it a big setback by efforts of black Republicans to break the barriers in the mostly white party. Cain has no one but himself to blame: he handled controversy poorly and did not respond with candor to all the accusations against him. His loss, is, so far, is Newt Gingrich’s big gain. Gingrich is ahead in Iowa, closing on Romney in  New Hampshire and ahead in South Carolina. Romney’s play-it-safe strategy is backfiring with Republican voters.

This thing has had so many twists and turns. Don’t be surprised if the lead changes hands. One thing is for sure – local fund raisers who have given big to Romney are scratching their heads.

IRAN?

I have been fascinated by the obsession with Iran, so much so that tonight my Voice of Reason show is devoted to the nuclear threat. And I was really surprised by the analysis of two experts on Iran from Rutgers University, Dr.Marie Chevrier and Dr. Shaheen Ayubi agreed in principle that sanctions may not be enough to stop Iran from getting The Bomb. The area’s Israeli Consul General, Daniel Kutner,  would not comment on the possibility of an Israeli attack on Iran, but all three agreed that the creation of a bomb in Iran may be less than two years away. This is a frightening prospect.

Dr. Ackerman Leads Insult to Insult -

I know it’s a long bandwagon against ex schools boss Arlene Ackerman these days, but I’m getting on it anyway. Dr. Ackerman’s application for unemployment benefits, after getting a one million dollar exit package, was obviously not about money. but more about firing back at her detractors. It is an example of bitterness rarely seen by someone in the public eye, in office or not. As far as her own imagery; her application  for jobless benefits is a big miss.

Andy Musser. Remember Andy Musser? The longtime Phillies play-by-play voice was honored by the Broadcast Pioneers of Philadelphia last Friday. He was inducted into their local Hall of Fame, along with Wally Kennedy, Stephanie Stahl, Cherie Bank, Dann Cuellar, Howard Eskin, Steve Levy, Steve Highsmith, Barry Reisman, and Tim Lake. But seeing Andy Musser took me back to the days of Harry Kalas, Rich Ashburn, By Saam, and the Phillies from the late sixties to the early part of this century. Of course, there wasn’t as much success on the field in those days, except for 1980, but when a voice keeps you company on radio and TV for that long, it brings back such great memories. Andy was only a teenager when he started his storied career. He made it to both radio and TV in Philadelphia, and he brought the Phillies games alive, to me and millions over the years. It was great to seem him. It was also so classy for most of the current team of Phillies broadcasters to attend and to honor him.

What’s he doing now?  He’s an Ambassador for the Anchor Brewing company.

Congratulations to Andy and the Broadcast Pioneers.

RENDELL ON CHRISTIE -

F0rmer Pa. Governor Ed Rendell appears with me Sunday night at 9:30 on the Voice of Reason Show on the Comcast Network. The always candid Rendell had some advice for New Jersey Governor Chris Christie. Rendell says the “bully pulpit” is okay, but that Christie should cut out the “bully” part. It’s all part of an extended interview, during which Rendell has some really frank advice for President Obama and Mitt Romney.

The “bully” comment was interesting . Sometimes even the most polished politician can’t see their shortcomings. Christie should listen to what Rendell has to say.

So now the deficit Super Committee can’t find a solution on cutting the deficit. These are supposed to be the finest minds that both parties can find. This entire budget and deficit crisis has been a disgrace to the Democracy.  No wonder that only 9 percent of Americans approve of Congress. The President,  as well, is responsible. He decided not to engage. He, the Congress, and most of all, the people, will suffer the consequences. It’s a disgrace.

RUDE -

The booing of Michelle Obama and Jill Biden, appearing at a NASCAR event South of Miami, was also a disgrace. NASCAR is a great organization. The First and Second ladies were there to support military families. There was no reason for this display of disrespect. It was ugly. No  excuses.

NEWT COMEBACK -

There is a reason Newt Gingrich is now leading the Republican pack in most polls. Herman Cain is falling fast. His credibility has been shattered with his odd answers on foreign affairs. Gingrich is also flying high because Mitt Romney has been unable to seal the deal, especially with conservative Republicans. Finally, in that dismal GOP field, with Perry thrashing around for answers, Cain disabled by a bad campaign staff, and Bachmann fading even faster, Gingrich looks like a man with a purpose. Campaign alert: Watch for Jon Huntsman to mount a more aggressive campaign in New Hampshire. Huntsman has been very quiet, but Political Action Committees will send in several million dollars.