When I read his speeches, it makes me think about advice my grandmother used to give to me. She would say, "It is better to conceal than to reveal, leave something to the imagination." She was talking about my "reputation," but when Zell Miller gives a speech on the Senate floor, what he is concealing is just as important as what he is revealing.
In the 1980s, I was a buyer for Rich's in Atlanta. I traveled regularly to New York City for business. Rich's was a big account and the vendors competed for your business. I would make a grand entrance into the showroom and lay on a thick Southern accent. You know the one that makes people think that you are a little slow. By the time I left they didn't know what hit them.
That is what Zell Miller is doing to the political establishment in Washington. They thought he was a little slow. They thought he would sit back and learn. What they forgot is that this was a seasoned politician in the final phase of his career and the freedom that comes with that phase of a life lived to its fullest.
Make no mistake about it. This is a loyal Democrat that will support and fight for his party in the political realm. This is also an American that puts America first. He will maintain his influence whether the Republicans regain control of the Senate or if the Democrats maintain control.
He will vote with President most of the time but those close to him cannot imagine a circumstance where he would not support his party and vote for Tom Daschle for Majority Leader of the Senate if the Democrats maintain control. It is too bad that the Democrats don't have the guts to make a man like Zell Miller the Majority Leader. So if your goal is to return control of the Senate to the Republicans, then vote for Republican Senate candidates. Zell Miller's common sense works no matter who holds the majority in the Senate in January.
He does represent the majority of Americans and he has lit a spark under many Americans, not just Georgians. America is learning things from him. As an old history teacher, I am sure that makes him smile. If one person has been drawn to public service by the example of Zell Miller, then his return to public life will be a success.
Now to the subject of snakes, we learned last week that Senator Miller is an expert. He not only can identify snakes but also can use them in storytelling. The use of them in a speech representing an enemy that must be destroyed was brilliant. There are biblical implications as well as the clear evil that is associated with snakes in literature.
I am sure that the PETA (People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals) was on his doorstep protesting the day after the speech. If you need any help with that part Senator Miller, do not hesitate to call. My specialty is driving extremists away and I am at your service.
Zell Miller calls to mind the great speeches of days gone by in the Senate before the 30-second sound bite. He tells a story and you hang on his every word. After he left the Governor's mansion in Georgia, he thought that his life of public service was over. He must be gratified that he was able to step onto this national stage and make a difference for Georgia and for America.
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http://accesswdun.com/article/2002/10/188385