Jessica DeLoach Sabin: A Progressive Perspective

As I begin this new adventure of writing from the progressive perspective for one of our state’s most well-respected and comprehensive news sources, Talk Business & Politics, I am reminded of an insightful moment shared between one of our country’s most well-regarded writers and an audience of eager listeners.

In a 1957 press conference at the University of Virginia, an unidentified reporter asked William Faulkner about the advice he would give to young writers on methods for developing insight. He replied by saying that they should watch and never judge others; more specifically, to watch others without intolerance in order to learn the motivations behind their actions.

How timeless his words were, and how empowering they still feel to those of us who seek the pen in order to liberate others from the confines of confusion and refocus our most important conversations in a direction that may lead toward a more productive end.

From the outset of my journey as a political analyst, I have always sought to make sense of complex issues and to provide readers with a means of viewing them in a way that upholds the virtues of justice, opportunity and progress. While I am well aware that my words will not always be met with acceptance from those who may cling to the extremes of their political ideologies, I am inclined to stay a course best forged in fact rather than faction.

Given the current transformation of our state’s political landscape, now, more than ever, I find that it is of the utmost importance to continue the pragmatic and progressive dialogue that has been best represented in the political traditions promoted over time by many of our state’s greatest leaders, such as Governors Winthrop Rockefeller and Dale Bumpers.

With that in mind, I intend to use this column to explore various policy issues and ideas that dominate the political discussions at the local, state and national levels. Each column is viewed as an opportunity to illuminate the lesser-known but important facts that often get lost or overshadowed by the activities of hyper-partisan interests and the often noisy shroud of the unrelenting twenty-four hour news cycle.

I would be remiss if I did not iterate my belief that politics is a noble profession. My passion for it is firmly rooted in the belief of its purpose and the majesty of the repeated transfer of great trust between voters and a select few people who are charged with representing the best interests of the many.

So, here’s to future discourse based in facts, logic and reason.

I am so pleased to have the opportunity to explore the world of politics with you.