In a display of gratitude for taking the high road for their nation, Joe Wilson and Valerie Plame Wilson were honored last night by the Pacific Palisades Democratic Club. The impressive couple, appearing confident and relaxed, addressed a packed audience in the ballroom of the Fairmont Miramar Hotel.
Introducing the Wilsons was our very own Arianna, applying her customary irreverent wit. It's always difficult with Arianna to select her best line since they're all so topical and on the mark. But in my opinion she hit it best when describing the late-night Comey caper, with Alberto Gonzales, Andy Card and James Comey rushing to the hospital bed of ailing John Ashcroft. In an act of good conscience, heretofore unheard of for Ashcroft, the former Attorney General refused Gonzales and Card's devious request to approve the electronic surveillance act. To which Arianna quipped, "Who would have thought John Ashcroft would be the good guy?"
You ain't kidding!
Valerie Wilson spoke first. She was charming. Particularly in her playful characterization of married life with husband Joe. But she turned deeply serious when discussing the gravity of their decision to file a civil suit against Administration big wigs re: the disclosure of her status in the CIA. Their decision to file was the result of intense collaboration and deliberation, after which the Wilsons concluded the suit was needed to uncover the truth.
Valerie then introduced husband Joe. The antithesis to her chiseled femininity.
Sporting a rugged newly minted beard, Joe Wilson was more commanding than ever. Not that he wasn't commanding before. No one who's seen or heard Joe Wilson would doubt his resolve, intensity or communication flair. He's fearless, particularly concerning the outing of his wife. His anger and contempt are palpable.
Unlike Wilson's adversaries, Robert Novak, Dick Cheney and Karl Rove, Joe Wilson's a mensch. A man's man. A woman's man, too. He speaks with pride of his years of service to his nation. His love of country is profound.
Happily for the Wilsons, they've embarked on an exciting new chapter in their lives. They've moved from tawdry Washington to the spectacular western plains. Majestic mountains and open air replace man-made monuments and hot air. A welcome reward for a couple who have served their nation right.
My best to them in the challenge of their upcoming civil fight!