In the highly acclaimed (Oscar for Best Picture) 2002 film, Gangs of New York, Martin Scorsese, painted a lurid picture of the struggle for respect and attachment amongst Irish immigrants in 19th century NYC. Leonardo DiCaprio’s character “Amsterdam Vallon” was binded by pride to resurrect the Dead Rabbits gang as the Irish were faced with suppression simply for the fact that they had not been born in America, therefore, not to be viewed as true Americans. Daniel Day Lewis’ “Bill Cutting” and his throng of “Natives” felt they were the true Americans for they had been born on American soil… hence their inherent right to lay claim as her legitimate sons and daughters.
Cut to current day and we find that Native mantra alive and well in small towns and a number of states as the indigenous folks look with a cautious eye at those who had the misfortune of arriving late; the natives having gotten much of the attention and political latitude that comes with being “family”.
How does this social/political character apply to The First State, you might be asking? And a rhetorical question it would be as y’all know the answer already.
As mentioned in a few of our posts, the road to higher office in Delaware often has as much to do with where you grew up, who your family is, and where you went to grade school and/or high school as it does the a solid political resume. The roots run deep here and as stated previously on this site; folks have long memories that travel right along with their rabid support and faithful devotion. A case in point is the number of messages recounting John Carney’s days attending and playing football for Holy Rosary (CYO) and his gridiron exploits as a St. Mark’s QB – DARTMOUTH, WE DON’T NEED NO STINKING DARTMOUTH… cause the last time we checked, Hanover was in New Hampshire, not Delaware – you get the picture.
This to take nothing away from the accolades and his sports accomplishments. All earned we’re certain, and he milks it for all its worth – check out the 2nd sentence in his campaign bio. He was a really good player.. Actually, if it was to be based on such athletic acuity, most of the family could’ve made a run for office… lol.
We just find it interesting that the nostalgia seems to get more front burner attention than his actual performance in elected office. Now argue if you like as to his validness (his supporters), or his political shortcomings (his detractors), but make no mistake that what is behind the popularity and has been a catalyst in getting him elected– or at least assisted – to public office has been the Delaware roots factor (or DRF) aka… It! John’s got an abundance of DRF and it is no minor deal. We’ve seen many, as have you all, strap up the boots and make a run at those with a bounty of DRF only to succumb to a lack of such. The said candidates could then be seen mumbling expletives under their breath as they walked from what was hoped to be a victory celebration, due to the fact that they ran primarily with the issues only to get skunked by the evil acronym. The insidious and dreadful DRF.
Pete duPont had it pinned to a white collar, Joe Biden pinned it to a blue, Beau smacked Ferris with it (although Ferris had it too… just not as much of it… could’ve been an Archmere – Mt. Pleasant thang), Mike Castle has it, but understated, Ruth Ann had it (how else could you explain), Gerald Brady (who legend has it built the 40 acres and the Highlands with his bare hands and some election poster stakes) has a hidden basement cache of it… that he might have been willing to loan out to Tony Wedo… had he been a dem, and now John Carney is trottin’ his out for his run at the brass ring. (It) is something that can’t be flippantly dismissed by an opposing campaign manager (not if he/she expects to win in this state) as it can be an efficacious peripheral used to influence public perception and opinion; ya know…”He’s just a good guy… He went to St. Ann’s… He eats breakfast at Angelo’s, and gets the special… He’s one of us… I know him, like him, and trust him.”
Where else can ones CYO enterprises produce such an eternal flame? Why in the world does it matter? Shouldn’t the criteria for such serious undertakings be a tad more extensive? Our collective bar of expectations, higher? Question: Can anyone, save a few, who will be supporting John Carney or Mike Castle this election tell us what legislation they have penned their names to or only be able to recite what grade school and high school they attended?… time’s up. We rest our case.
We would certainly hope the voters now pay closer attention. But we also, however, understand and respect the – Lineage/Trust/Comfort/Security – voter matrix as it is as much Delaware as is Dolles on the Boardwalk or scrapple for breakfast.
It ought not be held against a candidate if he or she happens to have a healthy dose of DRF, just as it would be inane and disrespectful to suppose a candidate is somehow of lesser pedigree – ergo not fit or qualified to hold high Delaware public office (or any other office) – should he/she not be blessed with such social lineage or genes.
Funny, we welcome all who move to our state, taking pride as they too fall in love with it’s inherent uniqueness and quality of life. We applaud their successes and befriend them and their families, but whoa to those beloved “transplants” should they have the gall to one day aspire to elected office… and against someone who has (It).
Now what manner of lesson would that be?
Whether you got it or ain’t got it, you deserve a shot. That’s what we think. How bout you?
