End of an era?
Three years ago on a trip to DC, my family happened to be in the Senate gallery for a moment of history when Senator Ted Stevens, the longest-serving Republican Senator recognized West Virginia Senator Robert Byrd as the longest-serving member of Congress in history. The Senate chamber was empty for the occasion. In this era, C-SPAN and cable news provide the only audience for these types of proceedings. Senator Stevens had to stall for several minutes as a staff member went to locate Senator Byrd, who was almost a no-show. There was no hiding that these two were well past their prime, but there was also civility, respect and wisdom that often seems missing from politics today.
Since that trip, I’ve had a little more interest in the two elder statesmen. Both used their position to bring jobs and influence to their home states. Neither were without fault or regrets. Senator Stevens’ service ended in scandal. Senator Byrd at one point was a member of the Ku Klux Klan and joined in a filibuster of the 1964 Civil Rights act, a decision he later said he regretted.
Ironically both passed away within weeks of each other, in very different circumstances. I have to wonder if we’ll see the likes of these two in the future. Elected officials who weren’t one-dimensional in their opinions or whose views modified over time. Leaders who could bring the perspective of decades to debate and decision-making. And public servants who were willing and able to deal with a lifetime of scrutiny in the public view.
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