Shameless (redux)

The text content of this post below the video was lifted from a previous post of nearly 3 months ago when we were commenting on the situation whereby Sarah Palin's "biographer" Joe McGinniss decided to move in to the house right next door to the Palins in Wasilla, Alaska. As you will see from the video, the same sentiments still apply.

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 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.

The internet and 24 hr. news cycle giveth and the internet and 24 hr. news cycle most certainly taketh away.