Posted on 09/06/2009 3:30:08 PM PDT by radar101
By Adrienne Ross
Governor Palin's support continues to grow, which completely baffles those who never understood her support to begin with. After the media malpractice, after the bogus ethics complaints, even after Levi Johnston, she remains strong when much weaker souls would have been laid to rest by now. How is that possible? Keep reading.
I will always remember the first time a student came to my defense in class. Somebody said something disrespectful, and, before I could open my mouth, someone else said, "Don't be talking to Miss Ross like that!" Silence followed. That was the end of that--until the next time, of course.
That's when you know you've got it.
Now, I don't actually need my students to stand up for me because I do pretty well by myself. In fact, it's a good thing I didn't get a chance to respond--good for the student who uttered the disrespectful comment, that is. I don't take a lot of mess, nor do I have to. Overall my students have always loved and respected me, and I have very few behavioral problems. The reasons, I believe, are simple: I love and respect them first, they think I'm cool, and I can "bust 'em down" in basketball. That's my recipe for success! I'll add to that one more ingredient: I was in a staffing with a parent who relayed the story of why his child said he never gave me trouble, though he gave other teachers trouble. According to this parent, his son said, "'Cause Miss Ross will knock me out!" Nice mix of respect and fear there, I suppose (though I'd never do that!). I say all that to say I can clearly handle myself.
True authority, however, is revealed when I don't have to.
To this day, I have no recollection of what the first student uttered, just that he was put in his place rather quickly by his classmate. Now, I don't advocate students being aggressive with other students, but I do believe that harmless positive peer pressure goes a long way. Because one student came to my aid, I could get on with the business at hand without taking the time to deal with nonsense, saving myself for bigger issues that really need my attention.
I was thinking of this in light of Governor Palin. Some don't understand why so many of us speak up and fight back when we hear her being smeared by the likes of the mainstream media, anklebiters on the Left and the Right, and even her daughter's ex-fiance'. "What's with all these people," some say, "these bloggers, these activists, these supporters, and why won't Palin herself address every allegation thrown at her?" We all know she can handle herself, so why doesn't she deal with every single issue? The answer is simple: she doesn't have to.
See, most of the attacks against Governor Palin are like the comment in my classroom: distractions meant to take her attention from what's important, slurs and accusations intended to sting and bite, and all-out attacks with the hopes of sparking a fiery retort so the process can continue. And for what? To wear her down.
Each year I get new students, several of whom would say in a heartbeat, "We got your back, Miss Ross." Now, they know good and well I'm no pushover and certainly no punk. However, dealing with every individual about every comment is a waste of everyone's time, and it doesn't accomplish anything. Students who speak up, out of respect for who I am and what I represent, allow me to just keep on steppin'-- never missing a beat, never being sidetracked, never wasting energy.
Then, when something big arises, I'll use that reserved energy to deal with it.
Governor Palin, too, has plenty of opportunities to decide to speak or to be silent, to defend herself or to keep on steppin'. More often than not, wisdom tells her to keep on steppin'--and that's when we step up. That, I suppose, is part and parcel of the "online footprint" first written about here and then commented on here and here. She doesn't need to ask anyone to have her back. Before she turns around, we're already there--just as my student addressed his peer before I could even open my mouth. We're there on Twitter, on Facebook, on our blogs, on talk radio. Everywhere you turn, we're there, so she doesn't have to fight every single battle because we're fighting for her.
Again, that's true authority. That's when you've got it, and today, more than ever, public servants need it--and they need a whole lot of it. The more we can step in the ring and throw some punches and block some unfair hits for them--and the more of us who do so--the more strength people like Governor Palin can reserve for the bigger battles.
WOW that’s pretty cryptic Dude. You gonna keep Bogartin that joint???
And the correct expression is "Don't Bogart the joint.", Dude. Pick up the pace.
IO in no way mean to denigrate anyone who suffers from it. But look at it from this perspective: A person who is well liked by several groups of people, who, after a very public personal trauma, retreats to their family home, and while recieving many invitations, backs out from going to them at the lst moments...I am not saying that this is definitely the case, but *somebody, somehow, is giving groups ofg people the impression she is going to appear...
As I said, really had nothing to add to your excellent post, other than to note that to understand the anti-Palin dribble one might be best to be on the same stuff.
Hard to be a fellow East Texan, with a self proclaimed immigrant “Texas Noobie”.
But hey, good to meet you and enjoy the holiday.
It's all about the book right now. She has to finish the book. Her book will be timed just right so that it goes nuclear on NY Times and Amazon about a month or two before the mid-term elections. She knows as well as you and I that the survival of the Republic may very well hinge on those coming elections.
:D
I in no way took that you were denigrating anyone. I think that Palin is too smart to screw up her chances for another office...whether it be Senate, Congress or the POTUS...I don’t know what is happening on these appearances and I wish she would also do them because she gives people the feeling of REAL hope. She may just be waiting for the right time when she is thoroughly prepared to go out and up against this socialist bunch of thugs that have taken over our country....and the media that will do anything to tear her apart. Because of McCain’s poor choosing of interviews for her she came across ill prepared. I think she will be very much prepared when she jumps back out into the mainstream.
Are you suggesting that Palin doesn't understand (and champion!) that the US is a republic?
I would suggest that the thought being communicated in those sentences (having no clue as to the context) is the last statement "Democracy depends on you." - which is true, don't you agree?
Some advice: sometimes a cigar is just a cigar. Don't be a nitpicker.
You’ll note that nobody has quibbled about it being “just semantics” or claimed that they’re the same thing.
I would suggest that the thought being communicated in those sentences (having no clue as to the context)...
In other words it's your opinion.
Then get ye to her last speech at the annual Governor's Picnic and get the context. Otherwise I don't know why you bothered responding.
Here is my conviction!
To me our troops, now and in the past, have died so that our God given, inalienable rights and our liberties are protected and that through their sacrifice other countries and peoples in the world recognize their sacrifice and why they choose to make that sacrifice. You don't get that from Democracies!
To me the press is supposed to be the reporter of truth and a bulwark against corrupt or overbearing government, a place where the light of truth shines fully upon the deeds and misdeeds of the government. You don't get that from Democracies either, that's for damned sure!
..."Democracy depends on you." - which is true, don't you agree?
No, I don't agree. This REPUBLIC needs people who know and understand the difference between the two forms of government or we'll all be government slaves.
I, for one, don't want to be subject to the whims of a fickle majority. If you do, then take your "Democracy" and I hope you choke on it as it tightens around your neck.
Some advice: sometimes a cigar is just a cigar.
Some advice: a car is never a truck, despite them both being automobiles.
Don't be a nitpicker.
I'll pick all the nits I choose until this land is free of nits. You see, it's my right and good men and women died to protect and defend that right. Don't be obtuse.
So you go ahead and drive your little car. I'll drive the large Ford Crew Cab with room for six full grown adults with plenty of elbow room and a large payload capacity.
Do you get the picture yet?
I spoke too soon.
You may want to review the first very cryptic posting. It is not only misunderstood by just me. The way it was written it sure sounded anti-Palin.
At this point in time, Palin may have some important things to learn and need to stay with a positive message to keep growing support. In the next many months until 2012 election, it is certainly possible a much brighter star could rise within conservatism, but for now I am firmly PRO-PALIN.
It is not only misunderstood by just me.
I don't see anybody besides you chiming in so just how do you come to that conclusion?
...but for now I am firmly PRO-PALIN.
Well goody goody gumdrops for you!
I would suggest that the thought being communicated in those sentences (having no clue as to the context) is the last statement “Democracy depends on you.” - which is true, don't you agree?”
Oh and by the way, I humbly apologize for not recognizing such widely acclaimed FR Aristocracy. Silly me, here I thought Jim Thompson was on the Tea Party Express this week. Ya Sir Masser, Toby be good Freeper.
Once again, it seems that we on the right are again polishing ours skills to perfect the circular firing squad. I think you and I are on the same page. I liked your analogy earlier of the "expectant parent" - I agree, she could bring her "grades" up a tad.
In the end, I re-issue my advice: don't be such a nitpicker. If you want to encourage Palin to speak in more factual terms - fine. But I still hold that she understands and champions the idea of "our republic" (and has been able to communicate her passion on a large scale) perhaps better than anyone since Pres. Reagan.
Whether she always uses the "correct" words should be secondary to the point of her argument. I'll reiterate; she is the best natural speaker - with a visceral love for this republic and speaks with a passion and an ability to connect that are very rare. That she is at the top of the list of conservative hopefuls the next time around should be enough to garner all of our support.
If you still feel like nitpicking about the definition of these United States then you might consider modifying the top line of your FR homepage - as Texas is no longer a republic. While I understand the sentiment, it weakens your argument and might lead some to believe that you are not truly concerned about our republic as a whole.
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