An unlikely diamond in the rough

As much as I am a Hawkish Green and enjoy Obama's inspiring eloquence, I must say there is something charming, sincere and humbly winsome about Basil Marceaux who is running for the office of Governor of Tennessee.

I can't speak to the needs of the state of TN, but I can say I admire a person who is honest and forthright. Basil is clearly a man of strong conviction from which he does not shrink, apologize or sugar coat. He has strength of character such that he will put himself in the public eye knowing he will likely be ridiculed for not fitting our media-savvy profile of a politician.

But God Bless him and all of us that he *is* running for election! Our democratic rights are only upheld so long as we are willing to exercise and insist upon them.

We three hundred million Americans mostly take the safe route when it comes to elections. We mock and often vilify those with whom we disagree, sanctify beyond mere human reproach those with whom we do agree, all from the anonymous safety of our couches, office cubicles and grocery store register lines. I've done it myself, I am not proud to say.

Basil will not sit idly by, he is willing to put his opinions and concerns before the American public and exercise his right to run for office. That folks is courage and democracy in action. Bully for him and shame on those of us who would mock his efforts for lack of polish or shine. Disagree with his positions as you will, likely Basil and I would not see eye to eye on most matters, but his willingness to participate in the fundamental process of our Republic is honorable indeed.

Vote your conscience fellow citizens or don't vote as you chose, but as you consider your political choices in this year's elections give a moment's pause and thanks to the Basils of our country who boldly exercise the rights we the silent majority likely never will...

I am human so are you, sometimes we have to stop and admire the diamonds in the rough.