Dear Mr. Sarkozy,
As one member of the blogosphere, allow me to be as pretentious as everyone else giving you unsolicited advice.
First of all, congratulations on your victory. I am a proud American, so I hope that does not taint my praise of you. Now that you have been elected, various entities who pretended to merely disagree with you will now tell you they hate you. The only judgment that matters is the judgment of history, and you have the opportunity to help write it, ensuring a favorable review. Here are some pointers from an armchair quarterback.
First of all, you might be told to “govern from the center, given the closeness of the election.” This is nonsense. You ran as a conservative, you won as a conservative, and you must govern as a conservative. If this means leftists will take to the streets, then get your police force ready with tear gas and rubber bullets. Leftists have only one skill, and that is protesting. They could lose 90% of the vote and still claim a mandate. Ronald Reagan once stated that “Compromising with liberals is like feeding your friend to the alligator in the hopes that he eats you last.” Keep your supporters happy. You cannot win everybody, but you can lose everybody. You promised you were a conservative. Keep this promise.
Secondly, you will be told to be less confrontational. This is rubbish. Politics is a tough business, and governing is even tougher. You will make an effort to be amiable, as did George W. Bush, and this will be seen as weakness. There is nothing…and I mean nothing…that you can do to make the left like you. Once you accept that they hate your guts, you can be liberated from having to please them. You can be cordial, but make no mistake about it. You set the agenda. At the risk of bringing up King Louis, you are the state. Be confrontational when necessary. If you have to, ram your agenda down their leftists throats. The goal is not to humiliate them. The goal is to get things done. If that depresses the left, that is merely a bonus. Ronald Reagan changed America and the world, and he did so with democrats in congress for much of his tenure. George W. Bush’s greatest victories have been by one vote margins. Margaret Thatcher dragged her opponents kicking and screaming into a better England. One person can move the mountain. The political street are littered with politicians who tried to be nice guys for the sake of “getting along (George Bush Senior, for one).” When you are wrong, you can figure out a way to own up to it, but when you are right, do not give an inch.
Thirdly, do not be afraid to be Pro-American. One of the reasons I have had such hostility towards France is because I see France as a spoiled little brat that blames the USA for all her self inflicted ills. I have hated the French for no other reason than they hated me. Someone once asked me what I would do if the French ever liked Americans. I simply responded that I did not deal in fiction or fantasy, and that French support of America belongs in the same automobile where I keep Santa Claus, the Easter Bunny, and my pet unicorn. I have to say that I may have been wrong. As a gesture of support for your presidency, if you keep your word about being Pro-American, I will end my boycott of your nation. I am not going to buy my ticket to France just yet. I need to see if you cave in to pressure and begin distancing yourself from America the way Mr. Chirac did. You truly believe that better relations with the USA will benefit both of our nations. You are right, and I enthusiastically look forward to seeing this relationship flourish.
Lastly, remember again that in the long run, the only thing that matters is the judgment of history. Ronald Reagan was ridiculed. He is now considered one of the greatest leaders of any nation anywhere. George W. Bush is excoriated worldwide. He continues on down the same path because he knows that his critics are not fit to lick his boots. He may not be liked, but he is respected and feared where it counts. I would tell you to ask Saddam Hussein, but thankfully that is a testimonial no longer available.
There are very few universal truths, but here are some elements of governing that are as close as possible to such truths, based on empirical evidence. Supply side economics works. Tax cuts stimulate economic growth. Raising taxes stifles growth. Free trade works. Protectionism is a failure. Constitutional law works. Sharia does not. Sharia must not be allowed in France. Law abiding citizens are the good guys. Protesters who block traffic and commit crimes are the bad guys. You called them “scum,” and you are right. Israel is a democracy, and a friend to democracies everywhere. Syria and Iran are nations led by terrorists, and an enemy to world peace and stability everywhere. Business does not oppress the masses. Business produces jobs, allowing the masses to live better lives.
Good luck Mr. Sarkozy. You have an opportunity to make French…and world…history. If your deeds match your words, you have the potential for greatness. Your critics try to link you to Ronald Reagan, George W. Bush and Margaret Thatcher. Wear those criticisms like the badges of honor they are. True leaders are often reviled by a plurality. When the history books reflect how these leaders changed the world for the better, very little carping from the sidelines holds any consequence.
Godspeed Mr. Sarkozy. Lead well.
eric