When Barack Obama came to Boise, Taco Bell Arena was full.
When the national mood came to Barack Obama in November, traditional politics seemed pretty empty.
In witness of that coast-to-coast truth, national pro-life leader, Judie Brown, spoke recently in Boise (at Idaho Chooses Life's annual dinner). She clearly spoke how the pro-life community erred greatly when it associated itself with one political party: the GOP. The pro-life issue transcends mere politics, she said. And those of us who have long known in our "knower" that it really is a baby, not a choice - fully agree.
When Walt Minnick beat Bill Sali the people of the 1st CD seemed to strangely understand both of these points, almost deeper than we can currently see: the need for politics and the useless-ness of politics - both at the same time.
Idaho wanted a "part" of the new Obama program without buying the whole of it. Walt Minnick was an answer to that dillema. With an ear to the people of Idaho, he will also have access to the ear of the new administration. New laws will have to mirror long-held beliefs, or they won't fly in Idaho.
Though Idaho did not go blue, it did have tinges of deep purple. And that just may be a good thing for this red state right now.
Democrats need to know what they believe in and act on it. Republicans (especially under the strong new party leadership) need to be reminded of what they stand for and do the same. No more Democratic Party-lite. Both parties need to vie for the precious votes of citizens throughout the state based on very different philosophies, but ultimately on what's best for America. We need to bring the best of both parties into the public marketplace for debate. God knows, it's about time.
Walt Minnick may well be an answer that our state needs right now. A sort of Cecil Andrus "in training".
A key divisive issue (like the "life issue") seems to never really have a full political solution awaiting it, at least any time soon. Partial answers on sidline aspects, maybe. Judie Brown reminds us that winning the hearts of delicately broken people (who have had to live with the legal-loss of a child in the womb) becomes more of a possible direction for the future. Adoption, an additional direction. Education - which no one should ever fear, a third.
Being deeply sensitive to the success of that type of approach may well be what Walt Minnick could model for us, as he enters into the US Congress during the first week of January 2009.
Doctors who are honest on the life issue, may want to take a long look at this, as well. Oddly enough, Walt may be just what the doctor ordered....for this season of rebuidling national (and state) trust.
We need to support him as our Congressman and see Taco Bell Arena filled again and again with the message of American hope for the future - maybe even with young fathers and mothers who carry their little ones in their arms to the events.
Den
Judie,
Your visit to Idaho did more than you will ever know. Thank you for your stand for the babies in their mother's womb. Thank you for sanity in this discussion. Thank you for showing up on this issue of life, year after year, decade after decade.
It was an honor to meet you. I hope you think of us whenever you look at that beautiful stippling drawing.
Blessings,
Den
Posted by: Dennis Mansfield | December 09, 2008 at 11:13 PM
Den
It is an honor to be mentioned in your commentary and it was an honor to meet you! Thank God for you!
Judie Brown
Posted by: Judie Brown | December 09, 2008 at 07:41 AM