Who are we really? To what lengths are we willing to go to answer that question? And if we actually do find an answer, do we have the courage to live in a manner that honors the truths of what we’ve discovered about ourselves? Momentous decisions have consequences, sometimes life or death consequences, sometimes career, marriage or friendship destroying consequences. Sometimes we weather the storm and end up really happy for the first time in our lives. It’s a crapshoot.
Take Brokeback Mountain–the “gay cowboy” movie. Two young manly man cowboys circa 1960's find themselves for weeks alone up on a remote mountain tending sheep. What they discover about themselves, to their initial horror, is that they’re gay. In the time/space capsule in which they’re traveling, this turn of events is not acceptable on any level–-to themselves, their community or families. At first, they try denial, and when that finally becomes impossible they decide nonetheless to stay “in the closet”, each marrying and having children. Both marriages are torturous and loveless–-for the confused wives as well. The only happiness the men find is their occasional meetings up in the mountains on “fishing” trips. Without giving anything away for those who haven’t seen it, the movie does not have a happy hollywood ending.
Would their fates have been different had they made a different decision and lived openly as gays? It’s impossible to know. So many “feel good” preachers these days counsel us to “follow our bliss”, go for the gusto, and live happily ever after as we ride into the sunset. But in real life this advice can sometimes get you very dead or seriously injured, or fired.
What about finding your true self in the world of politics? Isn’t that a contradiction in terms right there? Once you’ve entered politics and then achieved political stature, can you ever again tell the truth about who you really are and what you really believe? Sadly, it seems not. Yes, Mr. Smith (James Stewart) went to Washington in 1939 and filibustered his way into motion picture glory, selling the fiction that one little guy willing to go the distance can conquer corruption and beat the powerful.
Well, I guess I should do my little part also. I think the gay cowboys should have come out and I think certain prominent politicians today would lead happier, more authentic lives if they did the same. I’m not talking about gay politicians here, but rather a small high profile group of "closet" Republicans who have been for years masquerading as Democrats. Who are they REALLY? And how far are they willing to go in revealing their authentic selves?
Ok, guys, you know who you are. As the 2006 and 2008 elections loom on the horizon, now is the time to come out of the closet and face the world as the Republicans you truly are. Trust me, you'll feel so much better for it.
(Patti)
