Letter to the Editor – Collateral Damage

To the Editor:

Tragedy struck Illinois the afternoon of December 3, 2013.  Three of the core fundamental values of democracy were killed in action during a fierce battle Tuesday afternoon in the Illinois General Assembly.  The casualties included the longtime government standards of Truth, Honor, and Integrity.   The victims had provided legendary framework for all branches of government for over two hundred years.  They were ambushed by the sinister forces of incompetent leadership, political ambition and personal greed.  They leave behind thousands of honest, hardworking state and university employees, teachers, and retirees who devoted their lives and careers to the principles they established.  Truth, Honor, and Integrity will be sorely missed by all who knew them as we long for the days when those values guided the Illinois General Assembly.

In every war there are those who distinguish themselves on the field of battle by demonstrating exceptional courage fighting the forces of evil. This battle was no exception.   There are elected Warriors among us who distinguished themselves on the legislative battlefield.  Legislators who refused to abandon Truth, Honor, and Integrity, regardless of the danger they faced from the underhanded legislative warlords. Senator Gary Forby, Senator Dave Luechtefeld, Representative Brandon Phelps, and Representative Mike Bost, fought courageously and refused to abandon their principles even when facing certain political wrath from the chamber god fathers. They are HEROs and deserving of our respect and our thanks. To the legislative Judas’ who abandoned Truth, Honor, and Integrity for some cherished political conquest, remember this. With your vote to rob Illinois’ finest of their earned benefits, you planted a seed. I, along with thousands of dedicated state and university employees, teachers, and retirees, will be eagerly awaiting your day of harvest.

One fundamental core value remains intact as of this writing. Justice is still alive and well. As this legislation makes its way through an imminent constitutional challenge, we must stay true to the values we stand for. The Judicial branch was curiously left out of this legislation and its members suffered none of the losses enacted. However, we must remain confident that Truth, Honor, and Integrity remain alive and well within that honorable institution and that justice will reverse this act of legislative treason.

Brad Warren
West Frankfort Illinois