Editorial: Two examples of a statesmanship missing in today's politics
This editorial is the consensus opinon of the Daily Herald Editorial Board
In the space of less than two weeks, the notion of political statesmanship lost two prominent models from Illinois at a time when it needs them most.
Former Congressman John Porter, of Wilmette, died Friday, June 3, at the age of 87.
Former Illinois Attorney General Jim Ryan, of Elmhurst, died Sunday at the age of 76.
The two Republicans worked in notably different political spheres - Porter, a 21-year congressman from the North Shore's 10th District; Ryan, a two-term Illinois attorney general who lost a 2002 bid for governor against Rod Blagojevich. But when people remember their work and their reputations, certain words keep coming up for them both.
Words like class. Independence. Grace. Character. Openness. Dedication. Courage.
About Ryan, we had this to say when we endorsed him for the Republican nomination for governor in 2010: "Illinois needs a governor with innovative problem-solving skills, impeccable ethics and the courage to stand up to the bullies who have controlled Springfield for too many years. Over the years, we have used those very words - innovative, impeccable and courageous - to describe (him) ..."
How many of today's state or federal political leaders would inspire such warmth and respect from any of us?
Some, indeed. But far too few.
How much better our political discourse would be today, how much more productive our politics, if voices and temperaments like theirs were dominant.
In an email relating reflections on both men, former Daily Herald Managing Editor Madeleine Doubek, now executive director of the government watchdog group CHANGE Illinois, recalled Porter's prominent bipartisan efforts to bolster human rights efforts around the world and boost funding for health research at home. She remembered the grace and humor she witnessed during a visit as a political reporter to Ryan's family home when he was in the thick of one of his several battles with cancer over the years.
"We're losing people who championed the courage of their convictions and who did so in reasoned, reasonable and respectful ways," Doubek wrote. "Those qualities seem to be in short or nonexistent supply in our public discourse today."
Reason. Reasonableness. Respect. How about those for the three R's of political leadership that should be the fundamental course of study for elected officials and would-be elected officials? In the midst of a midterm campaign year that seems in constant search of new lows for acrimony and personal insults, we find ourselves desperately longing for voices like those we have lost.
In different political arenas, Jim Ryan and John Porter produced long-lasting achievements - in health care, human rights, criminal justice, fiscal management and just plain good government. They succeeded because they were leaders of conviction who put honor and the needs of people ahead of personal or partisan political expediency.
We mourn their loss. We yearn for more leaders of today to study their example.