Puppets and mannequins, not infrequently, convey a sense of the picaresque. The outward trappings and physiognomy of these stylized impersonators are, of course, designed to captivate the senses from the onset.

Likewise, Brother Barack Hussein Obama, an acknowledged apologist on all things Biblical (in the relative sense of current world opinion), and otherwise, commands a second glance whenever the svelte metrosexual is placed on display.

Most recently, while conversing with supporters in San Francisco concerning a potential running mate, the candidate of hope opined that "(he) ...would like somebody who knows about a bunch of stuff that I'm not as expert on. I think a lot of people assume that might be some kind of military thing to make me look more commander-in-chief-like."

Puppets and mannequins are not renowned for their perspicacity, or an ability to carry on substantive dialogues. In point of fact, appearance, perception and grooming are de rigueur for the preponderance of these hollow-bodied caricatures. Thus far Obama has worn many guises, and may even rival some actors for the number of parts he is willing to play to attain the Democratic nomination in 2008. Yet one thing is for certain, his disdain of the military and a pathological megalomania which presumes that he can be transformed to look "commander-in-chief-like" reveal deeper-seated concerns.

John Dumont

Monmouth