Carol Anne Costa: Lay Off Linc

Carol Anne Costa: Lay Off Linc

Here are words I thought I would never say, “Can everyone just lay off Linc Chafee a little bit.”  I know, haters gonna hate - hate - hate. And, yes I realize he's’ only been gone six months and thoughts of lower and broaden, the miscalculation on the Central Coventry Fire District, the Sakonnet Bridge debacle, the ever changing stripe of Linc’s political allegiance and who could forget the dreaded “holiday tree” all helped to deeply damage his tenure as Governor.  We should remember too that Chafee took the helm when massive Carcieri cuts really hit the municipalities head on, and the declining economy seemed to dive exponentially. The state itself was uncharacteristically deeply divided in its politics. Be honest, his hand of cards was lousy at best. His gubernatorial stint also began with a meager 36% of the vote and plummeted down to an abysmal approval rating and when all was said and done “Trust Chafee” was seemingly just a slogan on a bumper sticker.

But, for all that is perceived wrong with Chafee there exists much that is right with Chafee. History will judge his Governorship, but it is people who can and will judge his character. I for one wish to defend Governor Chafee, particularly as he puts forth his candidacy for the Presidency. It is an historic run and the first ever candidate from Rhode Island. As if he needs me, but here goes. It is rarity in American politics when a candidate goes into a campaign unscripted and with a message from which he waivers little, yet for all it is worth, that is Lincoln Chafee. As we enter this silly season of candidates who easily walk away from, if I may quote the Mad Hatter, “Mean what you say and say what you mean.” politics. Instead we have grown accustomed to political beliefs embodied in sound bites, talking points and bulleted issues. Not to mention, the art of “walking it back” has become a necessity in a politician’s quiver. Seldom if ever, do they truly speak their minds, as they are handled, I contend over handled by the Svengalis of the political industrial complex. Like marionettes they are manipulated to speak to poll numbers, and focus groups, so the voters can hear echoes of tested phrases and buzzwords designed to resonate with the general public. You know, candidate's true feelings. Are you LOLing? Sadly, it’s not funny. I am happy to say Linc Chafee does not suffer that political condition, and for that we should be grateful.

Unscripted

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Can you even imagine the wake of the, “let’s go metric” comment in another political camp?  Picture it, a group of advisors in a small war room surrounded by campaign signs, wringing hands and old coffee cups; heads exploding and high paid consultants pacing around the space trying to figure the best way to spin it.  Meanwhile back at the Chafee camp; it permeates with a calm recognition, “he makes a valid point”. He is, who he is and isn't that refreshing?  When he speaks of waging peace, his record reflects that commitment and more his words are filled with a clear dedication to that plan. Whether you agree or disagree is irrelevant, as it is in Chafee's mission and passion we can find honest politics; like it or not. Handlers be damned. Right now I am thinking of ole’ Al Gore. You remember, the year 2000 and the stiff and robotic Gore regaled the debate audience with the medicare “Lock Box”. That talking point was so hammered into his head it seemed as if he said it constantly. It remains fodder for humor and still is pretty funny. Enjoy for #TBT!

Politics and positions aside, why I find Governor Chafee’s approach most invigorating is simple; he is, who he is, complete with an honesty worn on his sleeve. Perhaps it is in his skill as a farrier that he finds this kind of truth. There is nothing more straightforward than the business end of a 2000 pound animal. By the way, every end of a 2000 pound animal means business. The work of a farrier takes courage, guts and often times a sticktoitiveness to get the job done. If you haven't leaned into a large Clydesdale and commanded, “move” you don’t know labor with an edge. Not afraid of a kick from the GOP, he voted against authorization for the war and had the courage to write in George H.W. Bush for President and admit that publicly. #move   

Shut up and Listen

Make no mistake, I’m with Hillary all the way to the end of this race. As a Democrat, I look forward to the debates, as Bernie Sanders will bring the populist argument, O'Malley the executive's perspective and our very own Lincoln Chafee will push back on the endless wars. I am pleased Linc has thrown his hat into the ring, as I too am tired of war, war, war, and we will not escape ISIS, ISIL, Al-Qaeda , Al-Nusra, or the next iteration of terrorist with might alone, it will take courage, and the ability to fend off warmongers in our midst, but it will also take the qualities of  both a hawk and a dove to navigate our way forward. The political solutions to these endless conflicts will be as important as the military missions. I think Linc Chafee is a man of honor and as well a patriot, his service to his town, state, nation are powerful examples. Give the man some space and for at least a while lay off Linc and listen for a moment.

Carol Anne Costa is a public relations and community outreach specialist; she has experience in both the public and private sectors. She is the Chairwoman of the Scituate Democratic Town Committee and has extensive community affairs and public relations experience. She previously served in the Rhode Island Judiciary for nearly 17 years. Carol also enjoyed a successful development stint at the Diocese of Providence as Associate Director for Catholic Education and is currently the Executive Director of the Warren Housing Authority. Her work has been published in several local outlets including GoLocal, Valley Breeze, The Rhode Island Catholic, and Currents Magazine.