One simple way Sarah Palin could unite a country, and actually begin to win over some true progressives.
Dear Governor Palin:
I'm not writing to you as a blogger. I've never blogged enough to even be considered a blogger, though I'd be a liberal blogger I guess if anything. No, today I am writing to you as an American, and a parent. I am writing to you because you are national leader, and I respect that role even though I disagree with much of what you say. Yet I think progressives would come to see you as a leader, if you could display leadership that could unite both sides. You may have noticed, but as a country we could use a moment like that right now.
As you know, many prominent media media personalities have made jokes at the expense of people with disabilities. In some cases, those jokes were at the expense of your son, Trig. As a parent, I really do understand how that can hurt. All parents understand Mrs. Palin.
The comments came from the left AND the right, and they continue even now. Most recently, and I offer this only for example, Ann Coulter said -- in the context of the Brooklyn DA's queries into ACORN:
"I'm just glad to know that Hynes conducted a thorough "investigation" first. Who did he have screen the videotapes, Gov. Paterson? "
Remarks like this, or those by Rahm Emanuel, are coarse and degrade our society. Americans should not expect, nor accept them. And together, we as Americans we can actually change that, and here's how:
Just tell us all in whatever way you see fit, this simple idea:
That families and those who live with special needs triumph daily over things we take for granted. They have earned the right to be treated with greater dignity and respect. They should not be objectified for a cheap laugh or to make a biting or opportunistic political point. Americans are better than that, and those with special needs deserve better.
Governor Palin, we all take pride when we see America respected for it's leadership in the world, and we can truly lead by better example. So all we ask of you is to affirm these principles. Families who live with disabilities are of all political spectrums. No one wins when they are mocked. That's not a "left" thing, or a "right" unite, it's an "us" thing. Let's make this an "U.S." thing.
Conservatives and progressives should agree, and set a new standard for American decency. It's just the right thing to do, and now is the time to do it. Governor Palin, for maybe the first time since 9/11 you have a unique opportunity to to unite this whole hyper-partisan country again around a simple yet wholly decent concept: that disabilities should not preclude basic human decency.
It might only last for a day or to, but then again how often in history have we really come together as a people except for wars or National mourning? That alone would make it no small accomplishment.
Thank you for your consideration.
With Respect,
AKA Phreebass