The W.H. Takes The Literary Low Road

Wouldn't it be nice if the White House could set an example of open mindedness and take the high road for once?

Seems the White House is postponing a poetry symposium out of concern that it might become politicized by anti-war sentiments by some of the participants. A spokesperson for the First Lady said, "While Mrs. Bush respects the right of all Americans to express their opinions, she, too, has opinions and believes it would be inappropriate to turn a literary event into a political forum." The First Lady has held a series of these events, but this is the first, apparently, to be postponed -- and because of fear over anti-war sentiments.

Fair enough. But isn't that one of the primary roles of literature -- to raise political issues; to encourage thought and contemplation? As long as we have communicated, we have used literature to examine our world, our society and ourselves in an attempt to improve our "condition." Political commentary has been in the forefront of some of the best and most notable literature. To postpone a poetry symposium -- one that is described in the same news article as being "usually lively with discussions of literature and its impact on society" -- because it might become "political" seems disingenuous.

Now, if I were in the administration's shoes, I probably would have the same initial reaction. I think most people would. Truth be told, I wouldn't want folks to use my house and my event to question my spouse's actions or motivations. That, too is human nature.

But I also hope that I could put aside those feelings, nut it up, and show to the world that I'm not too big or insecure to hear all points of view. That openness and willing to open the White House to social commentary and opposing views would be unbelievably refreshing. Maybe even unprecedented.

The White House, and by extension the First Lady, are in a unique position to lead by example, to show that there is a place in our society and national discourse for differing viewpoints, and that we should welcome them. It's difficult to do that sometimes, and it takes extra effort.

But wouldn't it be nice if the White House -- really any public institution -- took the responsibility to make the tough choice and rise above these types of issues?

© Copyright 2003 Keith Jameson. Last update: 1/31/2003; 7:44:14 AM.