Sometimes people driving by my house look at the signs in the front yard, and then look again, a true doubletake. One sign has been replaced many times over the past three plus years. It says clearly "War is Not the Answer" and is a clear expression of my attitude specifically to our Iraqi adventure but also to war in general. Recently another sign has gone up next to it, and this provokes the second glance. Using the title of a book, it is for Jim Webb for the Senate,with the legend "Born Fighting." So, is this an example of my bveing crazy, or self-contradictory, or is it somethinge else? And why does my title speak in the plural?
Jim Webb started his kickoff tour of the state two days ago. One of yesterday's stops was in Arlington, where I live. It was at 3:30 in the afternoon, which limited those who could come (although I was able to clear school in time to get there). Jim gave a substantial speech, about which you can read in detail at RaisingKaine at this link. At times he had rousing response from the crowd of well over 250, and possibly over 300. There are other stories on the frontpage at RaisingKaine with pictures that are worth your browing to get a sense of the event. But I was quite struck by several things.
The event began with Jay Fisette introducing a woman who introduced Jim. Jay Fisette is a member of Arlington County Board, and he was the first openly gay public official elected in the Commonwealth of Virginia. The woman he introduced was, I am told, Jim's former wife, and she spoke very highly of him. And on the dais behind Jim were many public officials from Northern Virginia, including Libby Garvey of the Arlington School Board.
Some have criticized Jim for not committing to overturn Don't Ask, Don't Tell. And yet one of the most prominent gays in the state was proud to begin the event, and is strongly committing to supporting Jim. Webb has said that absent a compelling interest the government stops at your door, and has no right to butt into your private affairs.
Libby Garvey is, like me, an active Quaker. And yet we both strongly support this military man for the office of United States Senator.
There were other interesting things to note. On the dais were both Lesley Byrne and Chap Peterson, who fought one another for the nomination for Lt. Governor in 2005. In the crowd were several gay activists that I know from local political events who are also, despite some disgreement with Jim, actively supporting him.
I have only talked with Jim once, and that briefly. But I am well aware of his long public record. There are things with which I disagree. But there is one thing I do not doubt -- his integrity is not for sale. He will speak his mind clearly, and unfiltered. At times during his long public career he has changed his mind on things, and he will tell you why.
He is absolutely committed to the ordinary folks. And he has grown greatly. On the dais behind him were his three daughters, various grandchildren, and a young man whom Jim described with a certain amount of humor as what do you call it nowadayus and trying to find an expression for a committed relationship that is not formalized. Jim's son was not present because he as an active duty US Marine.
I heard no criticism of individuals in Jim's remarks. I heard severe criticism of policy, whether it was of outsourcing, or his noting that the price of a barrel of oil after 9-11 but before we went into Iraq as less than 25/bbl and is now over 75/bbl.
What I saw in that crowd, and in the individuals on who In focused, is why I think we are not crazy. If two Quakers can actively support a military man, if notable gays can get behind a man who still says he supports DADT because this kind of change takes time, when two formerly fierce rivals for the same nomination can come together with enthusiasm to support a common candidate, what you are seeing is the best evidence that Jim Webb can win in November. He has a unique ability to reach out across normal lines of division. As one fiercely committed to the Marine ethic that he described in his speech (and which lowkell has posted at raisingkaine):
in the Marines we have a creed - a theory of leadership specific to the Corps but representing an idea that applies to all America. Take care of your people. Never send them into harm's way unless you can justify their risk, and are willing to share their risk. Believe in them. Support them. And never waste a life. Any Marine will tell you that this creed cuts across political boundaries, racial boundaries, and class boundariesthat will enable him to reach out to the many active and former military men and women in the Commonwealth of Virginia. Himself a descendent of the Scotch Irish who are so important in the Mountains and in the Southwest and who do not normally vote democratic in statewide or national elections, he is able to draw from pools of voters not accessible to most other democrats.
But this is about much more than electabillity. It is about a leader people can trust, someone whose integrity is not for sale, someone who will speak his mind, someone who has a history of working across partisan lines.
Are we crazy, those of us supporting him, in our diversity or breadth, or are we the best evidence that Jim Webb's candidacy is something very special?
I will be travelling to Baltimore, and unable to monitor what is happening.