Lawrence Journal-World Editorial: Dole not done yet
Published By: Lawrence Journal-World Editorial Board
August 6, 2008
In the midst of another political season, a
visit from a former Kansas senator is a timely
reminder of the value of public service. At age
85, former Sen. Bob Dole could write the book
on active aging. The former Kansas senator was
back in Lawrence on Monday to oversee a
discussion on behalf of the Bipartisan Policy
Center’s Leadership Project on Health Care. The
venue was the Dole Institute of Politics, a
facility that not only honors Dole’s life and
political career but strives to inspire others
to follow his example of public service. It’s a
pretty tall order. Dole keeps a schedule that
would beat down a man half his age. He lent his
name to Monday’s proceedings but his appearance
was no cameo. He was there for the whole
afternoon. He came to listen and learn and will
share his findings with former Sens. George
Mitchell, Howard Baker and Tom Daschle in an
effort to set a direction for reforming the
U.S. health care system.
At a reception
at the end of the day, he saw old friends who
supported him and his political career for
decades. He hadn’t lost his politician’s
ability to work a room and share a smile.
Although his sense of humor gave him some
trouble with the news media during his national
campaigns, Kansans seem to have no problem
getting the joke.
With a primary
election just over and another national
presidential campaign well under way, Dole is a
walking reminder of what politics and public
service should be about. His self-deprecating
sense of humor, his work ethic and his ability
to put progress before politics made him a
natural leader in Washington. Unfortunately,
his kind of leadership is conspicuously lacking
in Washington today.
Throughout his
career Dole always has represented Kansas well.
Dole displays a modest integrity that Kansans
can respect even when they disagree with his
policies or opinions.
Although the Dole
Institute of Politics is all about passing the
political torch to future generations, the
energetic former senator still is carrying that
torch high. The goal of the Dole Institute is
to promote politics and public service as an
honorable pursuit, and it’s great to have Dole
still leading the way.
