Tim Johnson’s Health
Good luck in your recovery from surgery, Senator Tim Johnson.
The only reaction anyone should have at this point is the human reaction of concern for Senator Johnson. The mainstream press certainly goes beyond that with its constant mentions of the fact that South Dakota has a Republican Governor, changing a story about Senator Johnson’s health [...]
Good luck in your recovery from surgery, Senator Tim Johnson.
The only reaction anyone should have at this point is the human reaction of concern for Senator Johnson. The mainstream press certainly goes beyond that with its constant mentions of the fact that South Dakota has a Republican Governor, changing a story about Senator Johnson’s health into one about the balance of power in the Senate. Shame on them. Even in the Argus Leader there is some speculation about succession, but the comments by Governor Rounds and Senator Thune, both Republican, show a strong level of compassion. There’s worse on Fox, of course, in the person of Neil Cavuto, and brought to you by Newshounds.
I think we can take on both sides here, who may not be as giddy as Neil Cavuto seems to be, but who are letting rampant speculation about the political make-up of the Senate get in their way of compassion. Carpetbagger’s research into the powers of GOP Governor Mike Round to name a replacement seem a bit premature and unseemly to me. I like how Markos handled it, instead — if you’re going to do research at this stage, do so with an ER Doc, not with a lawyer. I won’t go to Free Republic or anything, but I’m picturing celebrations over there. Sure, I think Carpetbagger did a bit more research than was appropriate here, but I’m absolutely sure the Republicans are far, far more crass.
Other Blogs skirt the line of what is appropriate here. Rossputin, for instance, seems just about ready to break out champagne. You can almost see him biting his lip to keep from typing in glee about Senator Johnson. I would mention to Sand in the Hourglass that Senator Johnson has not, in fact, died.
I don’t mean to be high and mighty here, but the only appropriate response at this time to Senator Johnson’s health problems is to wish him well. That’s not the same in all cases with all politicians. But the Senator is not particularly important, and he’s certainly not Vice President or something. I’m not overly stunned, or even surprised at some of the rampant speculation. Indeed, Matt Stoller over at MyDD shows a certain sardonic acceptance that people will overreact, no matter how more reasoned heads react. He also includes a link to what may turn out to be the final word after all the heated panic of the last 12 hours or so, that Tim Johnson is just fine.
The latest is that Tim Johnson is not just fine. Seems he’ll take some rehab before he can get to the Senate floor. But all I’m hearing is that he will be able to recover.
And as usual, the ‘compassionate’ conservatives, the right-to-lifers, are rejoicing and ecstatic, it seems.
In the post you say, “I would mention to Sand in the Hourglass that Senator Johnson has not, in fact, died. ”
You didn’t read my post clearly……
I said, “You hate to gain politically at the expense of someone dying” . This was not stating that he had died but alluding to the possibility of the unfortunate happening. Right after I mentioned that my prayers were with Sen. Johnson and his family. If I believed that he were dead it would be a little late for a prayer for Sen. Johnson. Needless to say I have revised the sentence for clarity to read “You hate to gain politically if the unfortunate happens”.
I am happy that Sen. Johnson’s health continues to improve.
Revised post @ http://sandinthehourglass.blogspot.com/2006/12/senate-could-end-up-being-tied.html
Sincerely,
Bob
at
Sand In The Hourglass