Display of statesmanship

From the Random House Dictionary: "Statesman: One who exhibits great wisdom and ability directing the affairs of government or in dealing with important public issues." Also: "Politician: Seeker or holder of public office who is more concerned about winning favor or retaining power than about maintaining principles." The words are not synonyms.

With his impeachment vote, Sen. Romney avoided the politically expedient in order to uphold the foundational ideals that made the USA unique among nations. He exhibited the courage to live according to principles greater than personal ambition. Mr. Romney publicly committed to universals not self-interest. By conferring with his conscience Romney risked the rebuke of his party and the ridicule of a president who does not take prisoners.

At the core of the articles of impeachment was political vendetta rather than the fact that the president's actions were corrupt. Presidential defense arguments and the media more than proved the former, while the Democratic-lead House of Representatives incompetently failed to demonstrate the irrefutability of the latter.

As a statesman, Romney weighed the essential point while dismissing the frenzied accidentals. He may well have to pay a price for doing so. However, I pity most those who buried their ideals so cheaply. The country is diminished by such cowardice.

Sheila M. Barrett

Elk Grove Village