Republican Unity Breakfast
I read DeAnn Smith’s post on KC Buzz Blog about the Jackson County Dems’ “unity breakfast” and I got to thinking: Why don’t Republicans ever do this?
I think part of the reason you rarely hear about Republicans engaging in these types of photo ops is because we’re genetically predisposed to value substance over style — and how much actual fence-mending can take place with cameras and reporters around? Also, a majority of those who would theoretically participate in such an event are current or former campaign operatives, who according to a recent poll are unable to admit their own mistakes and whose self-centered nature makes compromise impossible. (1)
But I have to admit that the Dems may be on to something here. What would happen if Republicans in every county would gather for the sole purpose of burying old grudges and unifying their factions for the upcoming election?
A few days after the primary, I participated in a sort of “unity breakfast” with individuals from a rival campaign, and I found the process to be both cathartic and productive. (2)
I’m sure every county has warring factions that are still butting heads over old slights. So as the kids say these days, let’s squash the beef.
The St. Louis area alone could have one heck of a unity breakfast. A special early session could be held exclusively for South County women, most of whom probably cannot remember what they started fighting about anyway. (3)
And if we do it, let’s do it big. Invite St. Charles County to cross the river and take part, too, since most of those guys used to live in North County. Attendance will be free, but the speakers and food of the highest quality. We’ll even invite a non-threatening black guy to say the prayer or sing a song like we do at all the top-dollar events.
Honestly: How many silly rivalries that you know of (or are a part of) were caused by simple miscommunication? (Note: The ubiquity of e-mail plays a part; sarcasm and brevity are often misinterpreted as slights.) How many of those flames could be extinguished if the parties involved had a sincere conversation based on a genuine desire to move forward?
Whaddya say? Let’s do a unity breakfast. Consider this post my RSVP.
(1) Survey of my ex-girlfriends, conducted 1994-2006.
(2) In this case, the “unity breakfast” was held at night, and the courses were all liquid. But you get the picture.
(3) Not an Alzheimer’s joke per se, but if the Maidenform fits …
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