...But if Andrew Breitbart fiercely defended Sarah Palin, Sarah Palin also taught Andrew Breitbart an important lesson--one which he took to heart for himself, and one which he imparted to others wherever he went: refuse to be destroyed. Do not cower before the name-calling. Do not apologize for your beliefs. Do not hide.
If somebody calls you a racist for criticizing the Obama administration, demand that they explain how you're a racist. If somebody demands that you apologize, respond with, "Apologize for what?" If somebody rhetorically attacks you, punch back twice as hard. Breitbart called this "walking into the fire." He observed that Sarah Palin, by refusing to back down in the face of the smears, became stronger--and by refusing to retreat, she became a touchstone for millions who felt that her peril was their own. And so her resistance became their resistance.
Andrew Breitbart, tragically, is no longer here to walk into the fire with Sarah Palin--or any other targets of media malpractice. His legacy, Breitbart.com, and others must carry the mantle forward from where he left it. As the director of Hating Breitbart, which released nationwide May 17th, I had the profoundly unique experience of following Andrew during the closing years of his life, capturing him walking into the fire again and again on behalf of those who believe in a small, limited federal government, sustainable fiscal policy, and above all, those who revere genuine honesty in reporting.
Andrew Marcus is the director of the film Hating Breitbart which releases in theaters and on DVD/VOD on May 17th. For more information visit ◼ www.hatingbreitbart.com
