My conservative friends would do well to take the advice of the late Jim Valvano, coach and AD at N.C. State.
I don't know what "Jimmy V's" politics were, and it doesn't matter. The following address was given at the ESPY banquet at which his cancer research program was announced, after he had been diagnosed with terminal cancer. Up until the time of the speech, it was unclear whether he would be able to give it. Valvano was so savaged by the disease which would shortly take his life that he was confined to a wheelchair, unable to walk, and speaking only with great difficulty.
Somehow, at this final public moment, he summoned the strength to rise from that chair and, with the assistance of his friend Dick Vitale, reach the podium. You will notice Vitale standing near the podium throughout Valvano's speech. This was because they were unsure if Jimmy V might not collapse at any moment. You should know this because it is difficult to tell from his delivery.
His message was one for the ages, for all humanity - and one discouraged Republicans ought to review and embrace. He would die only a short time later.
Now, get out there and do what needs to be done. This is no time for whimpering. We don't have any "problems," only opportunities. Make the most of them.



Comments (3)
There is a silver lining to... (Below threshold)1. Posted by Scrapiron | October 19, 2006 1:49 PM | Score: 0 (0 votes cast)
There is a silver lining to this also. If the democrats win on Nov 3, everything that falls apart from Nov 4th on will be they're fault and problem. We know for a fact that the oil producers don't like or trust them and the terrorists don't fear them, actually they laugh at a democ'rat regime. Watch a few early Usama video's and you'll have proof of that. Look for $5 a gallon gas and numerous terrorists attacks on America and American facilities overseas beginning soon. Not only will the democ'rats not do anything, they will stop anyone else from doing anything. Democ'rats have a lust for warm red blood and they could care less if it comes from you and your family.
1. Posted by Scrapiron | October 19, 2006 1:49 PM |
Score: 0 (0 votes cast)
Posted on October 19, 2006 13:49
2. Posted by harris | October 19, 2006 2:50 PM | Score: 0 (0 votes cast)
Well, new ray of light. Zogby has Corker up 49-41 (I live in Tennessee and Corker's been flooding the media with terrific ads); Kean is up and Talent is up (by 2 and 3 points respectively) and Dewine is only four points behind (45-49). If we are to put any faith in polls (and I don't) all should throwing off some of the pessimism. Since I generally give Republicans three or four more points than polls show, it's terrific news.
2. Posted by harris | October 19, 2006 2:50 PM |
Score: 0 (0 votes cast)
Posted on October 19, 2006 14:50
3. Posted by Jim Addison | October 19, 2006 3:24 PM | Score: 0 (0 votes cast)
I'm against putting too much faith in polls whether or not they favor the good guys. Zogby has adopted some very questionable methodology with his "interactive internet polls," which have a self-selected sample.
OTOH, if any pollster has an incentive to be accurate this year, it's Zogby, who "made his bones" by being the most accurate in 1996 and hasn't been close since.
I just believe that changes in American society have corrupted the model most polls use, and that it simply isn't scientific anymore. There may be no cure for that beyond ignoring the polls.
3. Posted by Jim Addison | October 19, 2006 3:24 PM |
Score: 0 (0 votes cast)
Posted on October 19, 2006 15:24