Henry Hyde: A True Statesman And A Constitutional Steward
By Frank Salvato
November 30, 2007
"I do solemnly swear (or affirm) that I will support and defend the Constitution of the United States against all enemies, foreign and domestic; that I will bear true faith and allegiance to the same; that I take this obligation freely, without any mental reservation or purpose of evasion; and that I will well and faithfully discharge the duties of the office on which I am about to enter. So help me God." - Congressional Oath of Office
One of the greatest responsibilities bestowed upon elected officials is that of constitutional stewardship. While each elected official has a duty to represent his constituents in a faithful manner, each swears an oath to support and defend the Constitution. We, the citizens of this Republic, through democratic elections, entrust this responsibility to those we elect and expect them to abide by the tenets mandated by the Constitution and to honor their oath to preserve it for future generations. Few have executed that oath more fully than Congressman Henry J. Hyde of Illinois.
Politics in the United States circa 2000 has evolved into what can be legitimately described as a cauldron of special interest narcissism. More often than not, those elected to office are more committed to their political parties and personal political well-being than they are to faithfully representing their constituencies. Because of this manipulation, the massaging of the truth - political spinning - has become acceptable; it has become status quo. While every elected official condemns the manipulation of truth in the political arena very few actually disassociate themselves from the practice. Where, it is said, there is honor among thieves, it would seem that there is little, if any, among America's political class.
It was for his refusal to compromise neither his oath of office nor the trust of his constituents that Henry Hyde stood out amongst his counterparts in Congress. I can say this because Mr. Hyde served as my congressman for many years and I am proud to have voted for him.
Professionally, his door was always open to his constituents, his attention toward their concerns genuine in nature. Where most politicians view their constituents as entities to "handle," Mr. Hyde served his constituents as a realist, helping when he could and explaining the intricacies of tough situations and providing guidance and assistance when he couldn't effect the desired outcome regarding their concerns.
In his private life, Mr. Hyde was a genuine human being, who, personal feelings aside, masterfully advocated the will of his constituents. By deed and word he promoted a more civilized political environment, one devoid of smear, innuendo and personal attacks; an atmosphere where your personal life remained out-of-bounds unless your personal actions came to interfere with your professional life.
Like any of us, Mr. Hyde, while understanding that the "political game" is a vicious one, was affected by many of his detractors' personal attacks. I can say these things because aside from Mr. Hyde being my congressman for many years, my family was privileged to be able to call him friend.
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