Howard Dean should have had (made) his Perfect Storm (Troopers) watch 'Music Man' By Daniel Hines, Publisher America's Seniors at www.TodaysSeniorsNetwork.com

Howard Dean's Perfect Storm wiped out chances for Iowa win, will harm him later in other primaries...ya gotta know the territory!

(PRWEB) January 24, 2004 --An open letter to Howard Dean:
Dear Howard,
Your biggest tactical mistake in losing Iowa was the introduction of your 'Perfect Storm' technique. Somehow, the people of Iowa just didn't take kindly to the arrogance of people who don't live there--who, based on all reports, really haven't lived anywhere for too long a time--coming into their neighborhoods like missionaries for some cult.

I could have told you so. I know that, because I told my wife about 10 days before the caucus. Political junkie that I am, I love to watch how people who are smart enough to become doctors, can be elected governor of a state, always seem to stub their toes in elections like Iowa.

I knew you had stubbed your toe as I came across a CSPAN broadcast of the young people who were canvassing the state on your behalf. The first was a young guy in a sweatshirt, unkempt, wild reddish hair in some sort of an Afro (and this was a white guy) who was talking so fast that I thought he was auditioning for one of those disclaimers that we hear at the end of commercials.

Then, the action shifted. This time, it was to a trio of youngsters, again not from Iowa, that looked like rejects from tryouts for 'Friends.' Gosh, they were cute and seemed to be having a lot of fun as they almost danced down the sidewalks of bungalow-lined, shady streets.

It almost made me wish I were a teenager again, dressed in my ill-fitting jeans, sloppy sweat shirts. And, I bet if I had been living in one of those bungalows, I would have been inspired to vote for the candidate of these wonderful young people who were telling me that I had the chance to benefit from their years of political insight and life experiences.
I turned to my wife, Brooks, and said: "Dean will blow Iowa...these kids should be at home to avoid a violation of curfew laws..." and then I had a sense of George McGovern's campaign when his offices were filled with well-meaning, but untried youngsters who were going to make America right.

You, Howard, had made the same mistake. You flooded the state with a bunch of well-meaning, but inexperienced kids. You insulted the Iowa caucus process. You snapped at questioners, who have friends and neighbors that are Democrats who go to the same church, and who have lived as friends for years.

What you should have done before turning this swarm, this 'Perfect Storm' loose, was order videotapes of 'Music Man.' After all, it was written by a native Iowan, Meredith Wilson. You remember the plot, don't you: It revolves around "Professor" Harold Hill, a con-man who--in order to sell band instruments--convinces the citizens of River City, Iowa that he can teach their children to play in a magnificent marching band. But Hill doesn't count on falling in love with the town librarian, and instead of skipping town before the instruments arrive, he is convinced to stay. And, the forgiving citizens of River City take him into their hearts.

You see, Dr. Dean, you failed the citizens of Iowa by not becoming someone they could take into their hearts. Instead, you sneered, snarled and loosened an army of guys and gals hardly beyond puberty upon them.

You also could have learned a lesson from the song about 'You Ought to Give Iowa a Try' in which stern-faced Iowans sing about their pride in being stubborn and obstinate.

And, you would have learned, as Professor Harold Hill did, you may snooker them sometimes, by Golly, but when the time comes for you to 'fess up, you better have some qualities that will endear you to these people who have your fate in their hands.

Your 'concession' speech shows that you didn't learn your lesson from Professor Hill. One might have expected an altar call for a profession of faith as you emulated a Flag-waving, Hell Fire-Brimstone preacher (or, is this the beginning of your newly found religious belief?)
You really should have put some of those youthful Perfect Storm Troopers in ill-fitting band uniforms and led them down the road to New Hampshire, playing '76 Trombones.' That's what Professor Hill would have done.

by Daniel Hines
Publisher
www.TodaysSeniorsNetwork.com
(Editor's Note: Daniel Hines loves Iowa and Iowans...He's been to the state many times, and loves its rolling hills, vast farms...but he also knows that Iowans are rightfully proud people)