Statesmen Don’t Lay Low

Well, it looks like we’ve got another Vice-presidential hopeful – or could that possibly be someone just doing his duty?

“To speak up or not to speak up?”

Newly-elected Florida Senator Marco Rubio, according to headlines, is “stepping into the spotlight on debt fight.” Rubio was advised to lay low for a while, not to attract too much media attention, and gain credit by digging deeply into policy issues. In other words, play it safe for a while.

When he didn’t, they all started wondering if he’s wanting to be someone’s VP pick in 2012. However, Rubio is just following the example of one of the greatest statesmen in America’s history.

A historical example

Patrick Henry was elected to the Virginia House of Burgesses at the age of 29. The custom at the time was to let the older, wiser, more senior members take the lead and do the talking, especially if you’re new.

When those “wise” leaders started talking about submitting to taxation without representation, however, Henry stepped up and presented the Stamp Act resolutions. Nine days after he joined the House he was leading the charge toward open defiance of the King and Parliament.

The “good ol’ boys” accused him of treason, but the resolutions were passed and word spread like wildfire. The other 12 colonies passed similar resolutions, and America was on the course of resistence that eventually culminated in the Revolutionary War and the independence of the colonies.

All that, because one brand-new legislator refused to follow conventional rules and “lay low”.

Statesmen don’t lay low.

The fact is, statesmen don’t run for office because they want to build a career. They run to make a difference, and the timing doesn’t matter to them. If a need for real leadership arises, they answer the call of duty.

As Rubio put it, “The issues that led me to run are front and center. I can’t just say, ‘Well, I’m going to sit out these issues because I’m working on some plan to ultimately fit into the Senate.’”

And if this be treason, gentlemen, make the most of it.