Can we get a statesman?

Many of us saw the impassioned speech Thom Tillis made on the floor of the Senate. He was statesmanlike as he named Putin the Dictator who invaded Ukraine, pillaging, raping, killing and bombing innocent people in a power grab like the world hasn’t seen in about seventy years. 

As I listened, I kept waiting for him to say, with courage, “Mr. Trump, you cannot align America with Putin and the Russian Regime. It’s dangerous for the western world, for our allies, and ultimately for us.”  He just didn’t get there. 

After watching him and all the Republicans of the Congress fall into the Trump trap, I see how Tillis tries to walk the fence. He voted for every one of Trump’s dubious cabinet picks, all of whom are rife with incompetency, lacking in American values, ready to participate in the plan for retribution and revenge. Obviously, protecting his Senate seat is more important than protecting our country by reining in a president drunk with power. I don’t see any other conclusion we can come to. 

Tom Coburn, an obstetrician from Oklahoma, elected to the Senate from 2005 to 2015, was a bastion of all causes of the far right. Right to life – no abortions. Big gun rights man. But his words into the issue of statesmanship ring true for our time. Coburn says, “Statesmanship exhibits 5-Key commitments. 1) A commitment to principles above politics. 2) An ability to compromise without abandoning principles. 3) A commitment to truth over spin. 4) A commitment to courage over cowardice. 5) A commitment or willingness to give up power.” 

Coburn echoes Abraham Lincoln, “A statesman is he who thinks of future generations, and a politician thinks of future elections.”

The witness of politicians who serve at the pleasure of a mad president is everywhere in the hallowed halls of congress. Lindsay Graham, a once noble ally of John McCain, lost his spine to stay relevant in the congress. 

Bill Cassidy, himself a physician, yielded to pressure and voted for Bobby Kennedy. At a time when measles is spreading rampantly in his home state, I hope in his heart-of-hearts he has at least a tinge of remorse.

The list of Trump suck-ups is long. North Carolina is not immune from this. While I did not expect anything differently from Ted Budd, I did hold out hope for Tillis. 

And what about Jefferson Griffin, still bellyaching about his loss to Allison Riggs. Sad to see such a sore loser, especially when he carries such a noble name as Jefferson. No statesmanship here.

Mariann Edgar Budde has written a book, How We Learn to Be Brave. We are not born with bravery, but it can grow in us as we stand up for what is right, what is true, what is honorable. “This book is about those decisive moments when we are called to act with courage, and much to our amazement, we do. Decisive moments are marking events. They stand in our memory and are often what others remember about us.” One of her chapters is Stepping Up to the Plate. She talks about the times we are “called out of ourselves,” to speak truth, do justice, act rightly. 

I remember John McCain walking into the Senate Chamber during the voting on the Affordable Care Act in Trump’s first term. He said no words that I could hear but made a bold thumbs down gesture, which killed the bill to destroy the ACA. 

One bold gesture changed the outcome of what would have been detrimental to a lot of Americans. Senator McCain likely went on the enemies’ list at that point, but the enemies’ list is filled with more and more who are daring the ire and fury and taking a swing.

Now is our time of stepping up to the plate. With whatever voice we have, to whatever circle of influence we have, despite all the nay-sayers and critics, the protection of our homeland, our democracy, and the values Americans’ have held for decades, are worth defending and saving. 

We are in the eighth inning now; the game is going fast. Calling all statesmen to the bat. Are you willing to step up? Can we get a statesman? Anybody?

Lib Campbell is a retired Methodist pastor, retreat leader, columnist and host of the blogsite www.avirtualchurch.com. She can be contacted at libcam05@gmail.com