A Little Bit of Both

Posted on February 18th, 2009

Some of you may be wondering about the meaning of the blog title: “Off the Marble.” The name comes from an euphemism sometimes used by those who work in the capitol building. When someone is in the capitol building it can be said they are “on the marble”, referring to the fact that the floors and much of the building is made of marble.

“Off the Marble” in this case means two things. First, I intend for the blog to be a source of news and commentary coming off or from the state capitol. Second, it is intended for those who are not on the marble – those grassroot Arkansans who are off the marble.

When I was running for election the first time a voter warned me, “All that marble down there gives off some kind of fumes that causes otherwise good people to go completely insane.” He would probably wonder if the title meant “off my rocker” or “lost my marbles.” When one considers the wisdom of a legislator writing news and commentary on every imaginable topic, I’d probably have to answer that it’s a little bit of both.

That having been said, I think that Rep. Steve Harrelson has demostrated that a legislator can produce an informative blog in a statesman-like manner. Indeed, his blog Under the Dome is the inspiration for this one. Since I intend to provide more opinion and commentary than he, I will need to be evermore and even-more diligent in maintaining a spirit of statesmanship.

The challenge of statesmanship is to have the vision to dream of a better, safer world and the courage, persistence, and patience to turn that dream into reality. – Ronald Reagan

What does the word statesmanship mean? Tell me your definitions. Do you think opinions can be expressed in a statesman-like manner? Can it be done perfectly? If not, what is the proper response from a politician who fails? Do politicians grow in statesmanship as they practice it and gain experience or is it something that some people are born with? Why aren’t more politicians these days more concerned with becoming statesmen? Is a statesman disadvantaged in the rough and tumble arena of politics in today’s political climate?

Tags: statesmanship
Filed under Uncategorized |

2 Responses to “A Little Bit of Both”

1. Chris Says:
   February 19th, 2009 at 1:14 am

   Statesmanship is, IMHO, acting in a respectful, dignified and ethical manner while conducting or acting in an official capacity. That doesn’t mean unopinionated, but to keep those opinions within a rational and measured context while maintaining an honest and open dialogue regarding them.

   I personally believe that this is a lost art. Too often do we see elected officials get absorbed in the petty politics of the moment and turn their backs on the issue itself in order to get a sound bite on CNN, Fox News or MSNBC. The best statesmen are featured in the national news not because of a soundbite, but because of a sound policy and record to stand on (see Reagan, Ronald).

2. The Statesman Says:
   February 19th, 2009 at 7:12 pm

   My definition of statesmanship is killing and eating the liberals who are destroying this country, but not necessarily in that order.

   Editors note:
   Mr. The Statesman: I think your comment is humorously ironic. I like humor and irony, so I will allow it this time. However, it does not “create a complex, nuanced, civil discussion”. (see “ABOUT” tab) Typically comments will be ONLY posted when they contribute by adding information, opinions and ideas.