"Hidden Faces"

In 1957, a movie came out called "A Face in the Crowd"; it was written by Bud Schulberg, and directed by Elia Kazan. The star was a young actor named Andy Griffith, not the character we are used to as Mayberry's lovable sheriff, but a manipulative television personality who could influence millions. Briefly, Griffith's role was as a drifter found in a local jail in a small southern town by a radio hostess who was looking for interesting characters who were in the custody of the sheriff. "Lonesome Rhodes"(Griffith), was an amiable type with a hard edge he kept hidden from the interviewer. When her broadcast was aired, the reaction from the locals was one of vigorous affection for the Lonesome character. The film traces his ascent to stardom and influence; it also shows the hidden villain inside the folksy philosopher. His downfall comes when he makes remarks about his audience in front of a microphone he doesn't know is open. His real persona is revealed, and his power collapses. Appearances aren't always what they appear to be.

Yesterday, Helen Thomas resigned from Hearst Publications after making remarks about Israel that were verging on anti-Semitic. She said "They should go back where they came from." This was in reference to the people of Israel. Ms. Thomas has been a person of influence in Washington since the middle 1950's. She has covered every President since Eisenhower. Her interviews and opinions have been lauded by many. She tendered her resignation on June 7th in the aftermath of her questionable remarks.

I follow Glenn Beck, a person of influence to many people. I enjoy Beck. We share similar political and social views. I'm sure all of us have people whose words and opinions we respect, yet we must all remember they are only people not "gods". What I like about Beck is he researches what he says, and challenges those of opposing views to prove him wrong. He has revealed all of his personal flaws to his audience, he admits to his weaknesses.

When we invest our trust in other people, we would be well served in finding out who they are; what they believe when they are not in the public eye. John Edwards, Jim Baker, Spiro Agnew, and O.J. Simpson are just a few names that surprised the American public in the revelation of who they really were.

When we go to the polls in November, it would be in our nation's best interest to educate ourselves as to the prospective candidates' real beliefs. After all, ambiguous campaign promises, and bias press releases will not tell the whole tale. Remember, it's not always "What you see is what you get"!