In his new book A Nation of Wusses, former Pennsylvania Governor Ed Rendell decries the lack of courage and conviction among American politicians today. This weekend three leaders deserve recognition for standing up for what's right:
New York Mayor Michael Bloomberg for challenging both Barack Obama and Mitt Romney to explain their plans to address gun violence in America. "What do they stand for and why aren't they standing up?" he asked on Face the Nation. "It's time for both of them to be held accountable."
Penn State President Rodney Erickson for ordering the removal of the Joe Paterno statue from the university campus. Leaving it up, he said, would be a "recurring wound to the multitude of individuals across the nation and beyond who have been the victims of child abuse."
Massachusetts Senate candidate Elizabeth Warren for speaking out in the Washington Post about the Libor scandal and the rigging of interest rates. "With a rotten financial system once again laid bare to the world," she writes, "the only question remaining is whether Wall Street has so many friends in Washington that meaningful reform is impossible."
All three of these people stand to lose for taking a stand--whether they lose stature or alumni support or votes. How refreshing to hear their voices rise above the timidity we've come to expect.
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Thank you. In questioning why anyone needs an assault weapon, I was told by a fellow church member that they are fun to shoot. I have tried to frame a proper letter to the editor. I suppose I will do nothing, like most of the US citizens.
ReplyDeleteThanks for this comment, Mom. It's prompted me to write another post on the subject for tomorrow.
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