We just can't take it anymore - either this deification of former New
York Mayor Rudy Guiliani has got to stop or someone needs to explain it
to us. Maybe it was the 500th magazine cover; maybe it was seeing his
spot during the Super Bowl - but something has driven us over the edge.
Faithful readers, tell us if this man is really the second coming of
Winston Churchill.
When Time magazine named him their 2001 person of the year, this is what
they said: "He is a hero to many, an icon of steadfastness in the midst
of chaos. For his surprisingly subtle touch, for his very real tears
and for reluctantly taking center stage, Mayor Rudy Guiliani is Time
Magazine's person of the Year."
Pardon our cynicism, but we have to laugh - "reluctantly taking center
stage"? They must be joking - no person runs for Mayor of the world's
media capitol because they don't want the limelight. And this is the
man who prosecuted Michael Milliken in order to get to center stage.
The mayor rushed to the site of the attacks precisely because, like all
good politicians, he loves being the center of attention.
We have nothing against Mr. Guiliani - in fact, we would have voted for
him, if given the chance. He deserves great credit for cleaning up New
York City, and making it a much safer and more livable place. As a
leader and politician following the terrorist attacks, he did a very
good job; he worked hard, was calm and optimistic. But he wasn't one of
the firemen who rushed into a burning building to save lives; unlike
Winston Churchill, he did not provide stirring oratory to a city that
was under real, constant attack.
Is it really so hard to be your best self when the lights are shining
and the whole world is watching? Or is America just so desperate for a
hero that, in times of trouble, any leader who has some class and
dignity is elevated to sainthood? Or is it because most of America's
media is based in Manhattan, and when the going gets tough their pseudo
sophistication instantly melts into hero worship of the most convenient
icon? Please use the Rageback to set us straight.
