Our Politicians should Take Lessons from Miss California

     For three weeks, Miss California Carrie Prejean has endured the viral attacks that are perpetrated in the blogosphere, all in response to her answer to the “same-sex” marriage question she was asked during the Miss USA pageant. The blogosphere attacks, led by her nemesis judge, Perez Hilton, have included photos that were photoshopped, others that were a part of her portfolio, a photo taken during a photo shoot that she never authorized, and the posting of her parent’s bitter divorce papers. (Note: Mom and Dad sat side by side at today’s press conference).

      Donald Trump, who owns the Miss USA organization, got the Miss California organization and Carrie Prejean on “the same page” to move forward. He decided that Ms. Prejean will retain her title, and Keith Lewis and Shana Moakler of the Miss California organization have rallied behind Ms. Prejean. Trump has basked in the controversy, as free press for himself and the Miss USA organization.

     When Ms. Prejean addressed the press today, voice trembling at several points, she stressed that she values our freedoms of free speech, and thanks those who have fought defending those freedoms. She stressed that she has not been asked to change her opinion, and while she is not promoting herself as an advocate for the opposition to the same-sex marriage movement, she will not silence her views either.

      Our politicians could take a lesson from Carrie Prejean: It is acceptable to stand up for your principles, to not compromise your principles.