We observe, with great interest, the current anti-abortion juggernaut in South Dakota. However you may view the debate, you've got to be impressed with the sheer force of will that's being exhibited.
Just consider the possibilities! Activist moral conservatives, no longer afraid to do battle with the establishment, for such a time as this. Could it be that a conservative state congressional majority, working with a like-minded governor, might have the audacity to accomplish that which a similar alignment on Capitol Hill and Pennsylvania Avenue cannot?
Should we continue to elect and entrench career politicians...and should those politicians continue to appoint justices that seem to change their worldview, midstream...then, perhaps, the fine folks of South Dakota are on to something. While the mainstream media and Sunday pundits continue to ignore the state houses, perhaps a grassroots movement there might begin to strike fear inside the Beltway. And nowhere is such an upheaval more necessary than in my home state: the Commonwealth of PA.
Though the press here won't tell you, there is a great deal of dissatisfaction--codified in sagging poll numbers--with the current occupant of the Governor's Mansion. PA voters are already in a "throw da bums out" mindset, what with the pay raise scandal that recently rocked the great city on the Susquehanna. Instead of giving the casino operators yet another blank check in the Keystone State, why not unseat their advocate in chief--sportcaster, and part time governor--Edward G. Rendell.
Doubtless the former Philadelphia mayor has a great deal of respect for the sainted Pittsburgh Steeler-turned-GOP gubernatorial candidate that will oppose him. In fact, Rendell might even consider applying for the sports broadcasting gig this Hall of Fame legend vacated, to pursue his campaign more vigorously. In this case, perhaps...Pennsylvanians need to be shrewd as serpents, and gentle as…Swanns.*
*Former NFL receiver Lynn Swann seeks to become PA's first African-American governor in November of 2006. Philadelphia-area county commissioner Jim Matthews will serve as running mate.
