Rising above partisanship

Since lawmakers closed up shop earlier this month, the only sounds you hear in the Halls of Congress consist of vacant echos. It is quiet and members have returned back to their home states and districts to enjoy the holiday season.

However, there was one major incident which compelled 24-hour cable news channels and major media outlets to issue "Breaking News" alerts.

By now we all know of the serious brain condition, arteriovenous malformation, from which Senator Tim Johnson, SD-D, suffers. In layman's terms, it is when arteries and veins grow abnormally large and can become tangled, and in some cases can burst. He had to be rushed to the hospital after experiencing stroke-like symptoms, such as confusion and slurring of words. He underwent emergency brain surgery to stop the hemorrhaging, and is currently on the road to recovery.

Unfortunately, Senator Johnson's medical crisis was quickly pounced upon by the 24-hour news channels. Human compassion was pushed aside in the wake of "Breaking News." Instead, instantaneous speculation about the political ramifications concerning control of the Senate took center stage. It was an clear example of the media at its worst.

Former House Majority Leader, Tom DeLay, had the best response that most appropriately describes the sentiment of those who work day-in-and-day-out in our nation's Capitol. While being interviewed on the Fox News Network on a completely different topic, Tom DeLay declined to leap to the obvious political implications, but advised, "Let's just keep him in our prayers and hope that he's going to be all right."

I agree. And, I would guess, so do most Americans. In fact, it may be the first time that some have ever agreed with Tom DeLay.

There is much criticism about the cloud of partisan politics hovering over Washington, DC. A great deal of it is accurate and well placed. However, this frenzy of breaking news and immediate speculation about the implications of an incapacitation, or even worse, the death of a lawmaker was fueled, not by politics, nor the rank and file on the hill, but by major media outlets. The whispers in the Senate hallways were much more humane, and consisted of shock and sincere concern for Senator Johnson and his staff.

While it is inevitable, and even appropriate, to look at the political impact of a what the loss of a Democrat voice would be in a Senate that is split 51-49, the human aspect should not take a secondary role. The November elections gave clear guidance that American voters want less partisanship in government. That message should also be heeded by those who contribute to the political discourse.

Date: 12/20/06

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