Everyone brings something to the table.\u00a0 A passion perhaps that he or she uniquely brings that\u2019s quickly embedded into the conversation and thus impacts the emotion and dialogue going forward.\u00a0 Such is true whether your last name is Goldwater or Gore, Sharpton or Nader, Clinton or Quayle.\u00a0 Today my focus is on the contributions of former Pennsylvania senator, Rick Santorum.<\/p>\n
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This is not an endorsement; that\u2019s not the Intramuralist\u2019s calling nor desire.\u00a0 Just as Ron Paul prompts us to consider the limits of constitutional government \u2014 or as Ronald Reagan reminded us of a national sense of renewal and \u201cMorning in America\u201d \u2014 or as Jimmy Carter and Barack Obama each embraced the inspiration of \u201cchange\u201d \u2014 Rick Santorum has left his mark on the table and on the progression of our dialogue going forward…<\/p>\n
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Santorum reminded us that family comes first.\u00a0 The involvement of his family in his decision to both enter and exit the campaign seemed genuine, more than a convenient, political photo op.<\/p>\n
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Santorum caused us to wrestle with the reality of life.\u00a0 What\u2019s most important?\u00a0 When is life viable?\u00a0 How as a nation do we desire to move forward with the government\u2019s involvement in this deeply, divisive and sensitive issue?\u00a0 While opinion varies, as a nation, we need to extinguish our infighting and discern how to best move forward.<\/p>\n
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Santorum modeled that quality of life is not always ours to assess.\u00a0 All one has to do is look at his precious Bella.\u00a0 Ok. True.\u00a0 As a special needs parent \u2014 the parent of one considered \u201con the margins of society,\u201d as the former senator said \u2014 Bella touches my heart immensely.\u00a0 I never voted for Rick Santorum, but when I witnessed the authenticity of his love for that beautiful, almost 4 year old girl, never did Santorum catch my attention more.\u00a0 He never treated Bella as if her life was somehow lesser… a judgment the most intelligent among us sometimes feel free to make.<\/p>\n
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Santorum challenged the standard economic thinking when he suggested that \u201cthe bottom line is we have a problem in this country, and the family is fracturing… We hear this all the time: \u00a0cut spending, limit the government, everything will be fine.\u00a0 No, everything\u2019s not going to be fine.\u00a0 There are bigger problems at stake in America.\u201d\u00a0 While his words were unconventional and not necessarily garnering of votes, Santorum brought attention to the perspective that not all of the ways the American family is evolving are healthy.\u00a0 Not all societal development should be celebrated.<\/p>\n
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Santorum taught us that money isn\u2019t everything.\u00a0 While the election bank accounts of both Romney and Obama continue to boom, Santorum began his campaign with very few financial resources.\u00a0 He had so little money and momentum, that few thought he could make a splash in the presidential pool.\u00a0 So Santorum instead focused on individual contact and face-to-face meetings.\u00a0 Piquing at seemingly just the right time, he won the first caucus of the year.\u00a0 For years to come, historians will examine Santorum\u2019s strategy, what he did well and what he did not.<\/p>\n
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Don\u2019t let me act as if Santorum never irritated any of us.\u00a0 Whether it be how he articulated passionate social issues or proudly donned that sweater vest, that\u2019s not my point.\u00a0 Most all candidates irritate us somehow, in some way, about something.\u00a0 In fact, if we ever feel a candidate agrees with us 100%, then we probably haven\u2019t realized that candidates sometimes share different words in different circles, attempting to \u201cbe all things to all people\u201d or at least generate future votes.\u00a0 I appreciate that Santorum didn\u2019t attempt to be \u201call things.\u201d\u00a0 Like him or not, I appreciate that he didn\u2019t change his words as much depending on the circle.\u00a0 I appreciate what Rick Santorum added to the conversation at the table.<\/p>\n
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Yesterday, after his official exit, Santorum was asked, \u201cWhat\u2019s next?\u201d\u00a0 To which Santorum responded, \u201cI\u2019d like to get some sleep.\u201d<\/p>\n
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Get some sleep, Rick.\u00a0 Regardless of who\u2019s elected in the fall, thanks for adding to the national conversation.\u00a0 I appreciate your spot at the table.<\/p>\n
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Respectfully,<\/p>\n
AR<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
Everyone brings something to the table.\u00a0 A passion perhaps that he or she uniquely brings that\u2019s quickly embedded into the conversation and thus impacts the emotion and dialogue going forward.\u00a0 Such is true whether your last name is Goldwater or Gore, Sharpton or Nader, Clinton or Quayle.\u00a0 Today my focus is on the contributions of … <\/p>\n