Posted on 02/26/2010 3:38:59 AM PST by 2ndDivisionVet
A majority of the e-mails that hit my inbox this week expressed disheartened sentiments over Scott Brown’s decision to help advance the Senate’s jobs bill. While my readers were primarily focused on what so many of them referred to as Brown’s “betrayal” of their hard work to help him get elected, their disgust with politicians in general was a close second.
One question I was asked by many was ‘Have you lost hope in everyone?’ While I fully comprehend their apprehension regarding candidates’ promises, I responded to one reader in particular with this: No. I’ve seen too much rugged Americanism in people like you—people who inspire me every day—to have lost hope in everyone.
I meant every word.
The truth is that I’ve said time and again that Washington is a powerful machine. After Scott Brown’s win, I voiced that it would be wonderful for a politician to head to Washington and retain his or her ideals in the process. I didn’t know if Brown could be that guy. But I don’t doubt that people of that moral caliber exist. That integrity, that sense of loyalty to one’s ethics, that “say what you mean and mean what you say” fabric runs through so many of the people who email me every day. Maybe some of them will choose to run for office and shake up the establishment a bit. Regardless, that fabric I admire is a human one. It may be scarce—and I believe that it is—but it’s alive and well.
The concerns that near unanimously followed readers’ initial question were about Sarah Palin. Many are terrified to stand up for her. They’ve spent months believing she’s different. They’ve treasured her rejection of elitism and her ability to plow through media attacks with a steady commitment to her values. They’ve seen her take on her party in Alaska, watched her write notes on her hand just like they do, and loved the fact that she has the ability to laugh at herself, a most welcome down to earth trait that could never coexist with arrogance. But they’re scared. Throwing your support—and hard-earned cash—behind people because of what they say, and having your faith in them thrown back in your face by virtue of what they do, is hard to take. I understand their every concern.
My readers have asked me to answer one simple question: ‘Do you think she’s just like the rest of them?’ My answer is no.
In my gut, I don’t think Sarah Palin is “just like the rest of them.” I can’t predict the future and I don’t know her personally. But I’ve listened to her speeches and her commentary. I’ve researched her record. And I’ve read her book. I spent hours interviewing many of her fans who were lined up outside her Rochester book signing. I hoped to get a sense of the Sarah Palin they believed made a night of sleeping in portable tents on concrete worthwhile. I also had the chance to speak with Palin briefly and tell her why I was there. I saw the gratitude in her eyes for what I had done. I could tell right away that those people who slept outside were valuable to her. Not because they could likely add up to future votes or hefty PAC donations, but because they believe in her. I have no doubt that she believes in them.
I grew up in New York City. I’ve spent most of my adult days in Manhattan, including graduate school in my early 20s at Columbia University. It’s a great place to discover yourself, but let’s just say I’m no stranger to fancy discourse, intellectual doublespeak, overpriced anything and everything, and people trying to talk you into this or that on an hourly basis. I don’t quite have the naiveté that I often admire so much in others. What I have instead is a profound appreciation for what’s real. My gut and my research tell me Palin’s not a fake.
My hope is that you don’t give up on potentially great future leaders, whoever they may be. When they arrive on the scene, they’ll need your strong voices, diligence, and love of country to stand beside them. You’ll need their leadership and experience to fight for America. And together, some real hope and change will finally begin.
*******
Jedediah Bila is a conservative columnist and commentator living in New York City. For more information on Jedediah, please visit http://jedediahbila.com/.
I grew up in New York City. I’ve spent most of my adult days in Manhattan, including graduate school in my early 20s at Columbia University.
wonder if he bumped into Obama there ;)
He makes a good point, but the word “betrayal” did not belong in sarcasm quotes.
It was a heinous betrayal, and not just of his supporters (see tag line.
Governor Palin’s support for McQueeg is not as bad as that, but it was a bit discomfiting. I really, really hope she doesn’t turn out to be just another politician, as Brown did within mere days of arriving in Sodom on the Potomac.
(((PING)))
I’m more concerned over the Paul endorsement
“He” is a good looking she, (photo at link).
oh. Jedidiah is usually a man’s name.
Personally, I find it quite amusing that among those who believe man is an imperfect creature they will be able to find a perfect candidate. Scott Brown betrayed no one. He claimed he would be an independent vote in Washington. He voted independently for what he believed were the best interests of his constituents. Honestly, after the Dems pissed away a trillion dollars, what the Hell is $15 billion more? Although he could have suggested the $15 billion be taken from the unspent “stimulus” package.
My real problem isn’t even with the spending. He campaigned on transparency and against backroom deals, pointed out the lack of transparency on this backroom deal and still voted for it.
He supports killing God`s unborn children
As for Sarah Palin, we can not deny that she is one of the biggest names in conservative politics at this time, and a lot of people have invested a lot of emotional capital in her. But, whether she will ever be more than a charismatic celebrity in politics is more than I can say, and let's face it, we're talking about the White House here.
Conservatives tend to be very unforgiving of their politicians. I understand the absolute need to judge by ideal principles, that’s what makes us Conservatives.
But if we can learn to forgive our actual politicians for being actual, living human beings then maybe we can have an easier time recruiting and electing a much, much larger number of actual, real Conservatives to actual, real political offices at the local, state and national levels.
ummm, k
“I’m more concerned over the Paul endorsement”
Looking at the internet, I see that Palin is defendng her endorsement by saying that Paul is a “federalist” who “wants the states to have more say.” She admits that she doesn’t agree with Paul on every issue, but likes him because he stands for “limited government.”
It seems that Paul is in favor of closing the Guantanamo Bay prison in Cuba, repealing the Patriot Act, and leaving drug law enforcement to the states.
I don’t know a great deal about Paulus minor, but he doesn’t sound like an unmitigated disaster to me.
Closing Gitmo would eliminate a missile sponge, and there are lots of less conspikerous places to send terrorists.
There are some troublesome things in the Patriot Act. Does Paul oppose effective measures against terrorists? Perhaps he is opposing what he considers a bad law.
Leaving drug laws to the states, whether the outcome would be good or not, is the way this country and our Constitution were designed to work.
““He” is a good looking she, (photo at link).”
She should have the good sense to change her name.
Yesh, cash and capitalism are such icky things... /sarc
- JP
“she’s got to be a millionaire by now”
Not sure about that. She had huge legal bills from all the bogus charges the demonrats were throwing at her.
However, I do think the Republicans shoot themselves in the foot when they price 95% of the public right out of their events.
The dims not only have free events, they’ll even give you a ride. And lunch. And who knows what else gets passed around?
Guys used to go to leftist events just to meet loose women. Now, we don’t want to act like that, but the Repubs could surely find ways to draw more of a crowd.
Quit looking for a leader and be a leader.
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.