Technical (Blogger?) difficulties prevented us from leaving a comment on KT's post regarding the creepy situation where Sarah Palin's "biographer" Joe McGinniss has decided to move in to the place next door to the Palins for the summer to umm.... we're not exactly sure.
Anyway, since we were unable to comment, this ordeal got us to thinking even more, as in: how does this happen?
Let us try to explain. Todd Palin seems like the kind of guy who can take care of himself and his family, if you follow what we mean. Now, don't get your shorts in a bind over what you think we are suggesting. We are in no way advocating any confrontation that may have any unseemly consequences - we're fully aware this creep McGinniss can live anywhere he wants... but right next door?
It just seems there was a time in this country, maybe 30, 40 or 50 years ago, where this sort of thing would not have happened because the mere threat of an ass-kicking would have been incentive enough for McGinniss to think twice about pulling a stunt like this.
And let us pause for a moment to recognize that perhaps 30, 40, or 50 years ago confrontations did occur because people of the "wrong" skin color or religion moved into certain neighborhoods. So, are we possibly guilty of inconsistencies in what specific respects we are taking umbrage with the form/fit/function of our neighbor? Sue us.
Are we wrong to think, then, this situation is symptomatic of an American society that has lost a sense of shame and the notions of Burkean conservatism of shared values and community bonds? Perhaps think of it this way: WWJWD?... What Would John Wayne Do? Do you think John Wayne lets McGinniss move in next door? (Great, now you all are rationalizing through archetypes... Look, American culture and thus its values and traditions are chock full of archetypes be they real or fictional. Be it the strength and heroism of Paul Bunyan, Davy Crockett and General George Patton to the all-around bad-assery of Stagger Lee or Robert Johnson down at the Crossroads selling his soul to ol' Scratch, these larger-than-life figures help define who it is that we are as Americans).
We leave you with a homily that hung on the wall of our old boss's office and that we saw nearly every day for 13 years and which we could nearly recite word for word because of it:
Bene Dictum, Benedicte!
If any pilgrim monk come from distant parts, if with wish as a guest to dwell in the monastery, and will be content with the customs which he finds in the place, & do not perchance by his lavishness disturb the monastery, but is simply content with what he finds, he shall be received, for as long a time as he desires. If indeed, he find fault with anything, or expose it, reasonably, and with the humility of charity, the Abbot shall discuss it prudently, lest perchance God has sent him for this very thing. But, if he have been found gossipy and contumacious in the time of his sojurn as guest, not only ought he not to be joined to the body of the monastery, but also it shall be said to him, honestly, that he must depart. If he does not go, let two stout monks, in the name of God, explain the matter to him.
Pax
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6 comments:
Rule of Saint Benedict?
I think it boils down to the douch knowing he has nothing to lose. What does he risk? His good name? No, this woman and mother young children is an accepted target to all those who can effect him. His physical well being? No, should the father of the house take offense-- or even respond to anything short of a videotaped offer of violence against the younger children!-- then it just feeds their chosen just-so story, and will send him to jail. Basic decency? ... Right. Did you hear oinking out the window?
His rights are just as protected as the SEIU protesters in Maryland. There actions(speech) will be defended by the likes of the ACLU.
But if I stand at the corner of Bristol and 17th in Santa Ana with an Arizona flag, I know I would get some unprotected come'upins.
Nicely put. Yeah, I think it's the lack of any sense of public shame left in the left. A lack of ethics or moral compass informs everything he does, and he doesn't seem to be aware.
Thanks for the link!
I don't normally go for holding gatherings outside a residence, but it sure would be keen if some like minded folks would hold a friendly gathering outside this guys Alaska digs...just keep and eye on him, make sure he's having a good time while in the area.
Sarah, I'm totally onboard with the welcome wagon approach. I've been to Alaska in June. Valdez. Spectacular. Would hate to think that McGinniss would come away from that great state with any other impression.
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