Be a Happy Warrior

 Happy Warrior

Original vector art tribute

to Andrew Breitbart

Andrew Breitbart was a brave man, there was no denying it. Andrew wrote in an amended conclusion to his book Righteous Indignation, "Three years ago, I was mostly a behind-the-scenes guy who linked to stuff on a very popular website. I always wondered what it would be like to enter the public realm to fight for what I believe in. I’ve lost friends, perhaps dozens. But I’ve gained hundreds, thousands—who knows?—of allies. At the end of the day, I can look at myself in the mirror, and I sleep very well at night." They key here is that he was true to himself, the hypocritical world be damned.

I'm not as brave as he was, not yet. As an artist and graphic designer, I face a lot of opposition to my political beliefs. I keep my thoughts to myself for fear of being ostracized, something that could literally kill my career. There have been times when I was really incensed about something, the words dangling burning my tongue. But I said nothing. The fear of what could happen to me if people knew was just too strong. I had this blog, railed like a maniac on Twitter, but kept these things as separate from my professional life as possible. In the wake of Andrew's death, I'm ashamed of my cowardice.

I want to scale the tallest building in my city and yell it to the masses; I'm a conservative artist! I want people to know there's nothing wrong with expecting others to have personal responsibility, believing in fiscal independence and the sanctity of all life, and respecting the sacrifice of the military. The constitution of this great nation states I can have my beliefs just as they can have theirs. What I feel doesn't make me stupid and it doesn't make me a monster. My conservatism doesn't mean I'm any less talented as an artist. I make an effort to be kind to those with whom I disagree, to not make snap judgements. I dream of the day when my convictions won't be a detriment to my professional credibility.

Andrew Breitbart's passing has hit me harder than I expected. I share this today as a step on my way to true bravery. My name is Rachael and I'm a conservative. I will fight how I can. I will try to be a happy warrior.

Rest in Peace Andrew Breitbart

"When you arise in the morning, think of what a precious privilege it is to be alive - to breathe, to think, to enjoy, to love." -Marcus Aurelius

In the 2000 film Gladiator, former Roman general Maximus has a conversation with his gladiatorial leader Proximo. The older man spoke of meeting the great Marcus Aurelius. This had been the day he won his freedom. Maximus laughs and asks sarcastically, "You knew Marcus Aurelius?". Maximus had been close to Aurelius. Defensively, Proximo answers, "I didn't say I knew him, I said he touched me on the shoulder once!"

There are great warriors and brilliant people on this earth. Most of us will never have the pleasure of meeting them, let alone know them as friends. But the great ones don't have to share with us a deep relationship to touch us in a profound way. Andrew Breitbart was one of those people.

I never met Andrew, knowing him only by his efforts. I did interact with him a few times on Twitter and felt blessed to do so. I guess you could say he figuratively touched me on the shoulder once. He was brave, unashamed, and kind though many of his opponents would say otherwise. Andrew wasn't afraid to tell the truth in a world where the truth is only acceptable as long as it shields the right people from harm. He led a crusade against the bias of the media the way a great general leads men into battle.

Andrew was liked by many and shared his life with a wife and children whom he loved very much. His family will never be the same without him. We will never be the same without him. But we must soldier on. We must keep up the good fight for Andrew.

Marcus Aurelius said, "Let it be your constant method to look into the design of people's actions, and see what they would be at, as often as it is practicable; and to make this custom the more significant, practice it first upon yourself." Andrew Breitbart searched himself, readied himself for battle, and charged ahead. We must do the same in his honor and for the future of this country.