He said he could stand in the middle of Fifth Avenue and shoot somebody, and people would still vote for him. Am I dreaming this? Willa asked.No.No. He said that. It couldn't have been more than a week ago.Apparently he was right.Iano, nobody gets away with murder. You can't behave like a madman when you're running for public office. That kind of trash talk is supposed to end careers.
In the book "Unsheltered" by Barbara Kingsolver, the character Willa reflects on a shocking statement made by a public figure who confidently claimed he could commit an outrageous act and still maintain his support. This bold assertion illustrates a disturbing trend where certain politicians may feel untouchable, regardless of their actions, leading to a sense of disbelief in Willa.
Despite Willa's incredulity, the dialogue highlights a troubling reality about political accountability. The idea that someone could speak recklessly and still retain public favor challenges the norms of political behavior. It points to a larger issue wherein inflammatory rhetoric, often expected to damage careers, fails to do so, raising concerns about the erosion of standards in political discourse.