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(Part moved below the fold - promoted by William Tucker)
I write a column in The Portsmouth Herald, published on Sundays, on local, state and national issues. I don't post many here, but with dialogue in another thread about what has been accomplished with John Lynch as our Governor, including some criticism of his work, and to contribute to the discussion as to what is yet to come, I thought I would offer this week's column in this post.
NEW HAMPSHIRE AFTER JOHN LYNCH
We should thank John Lynch. Regardless of political party or philosophy, age, occupation, or whether we're new to the state or lifelong residents or gay or straight or rich or not -- he has done good things for the people who call New Hampshire "home."
On issues of education, environment, diversity, employment, rights of working men and women, health care, and the needs of seniors and children, New Hampshire is better because he has been our governor for the past seven years.
Just as important is that he has done it all while remaining true to his core of being a genuinely nice person. I have known him since 1974, and in all those years whenever we would cross paths I found him to have the same personal qualities we see in him today -- he's humble, compassionate, down-to-earth, and has a steady demeanor.
His position and wealth hasn't gone to his head. He has always had a desire to help people. When we get to the latter years of life, those are important qualities to have. It's not about the sum of our dollars in our bank accounts or the property we own, it's what we have done for others that really makes our lives have a purpose. John Lynch has seemed to maintain his human roots and can still look you in the eye and relate one-to-one.
In my years of serving in the House while John Lynch was governor, I became most involved with him during the legislation I sponsored for Civil Unions in 2007 and gay marriage in 2009. On each of those issues, as we discussed them face to face he remained patient and open-minded, showing a personal interest in what it is to be gay. Torn by pressures on all sides, he remained thoughtful, respectful, inquisitive and most of all passionate about what was the right thing to do.
He respectfully listened to my reasons for wanting gay equality, and he probed the issue deeply, trying to make his decisions based not on politics but on what would best serve the interests of the people and our future. Of course, I was pleased seeing his signature on both bills, but just as important was the process he went through to get there.
How can New Hampshire go forward without John Lynch? Who are our next generation of leaders? There will be plenty of time to talk about the candidates, but more interesting will be the styles and substance that each will bring to their races.
Democrats wanting to replace John Lynch might try to imitate him. But they might be better advised to be themselves. Elections are won and leaders are made by showing the courage of your convictions, not by following some formula of taking positions on the important issues of the day that are proven or polled. People can see through puff and fluff and will reward honesty, not phoniness.
Republicans seeking to be our next governor might want to try to say John Lynch was a nice guy who was a storm-chaser who knew where the floods were and showed up. They will be missing the point that Lynch did that -- which a leader should do -- but did so much more.
If they follow a right-wing anti-government agenda, they'll learn that Lynch showing up during storms illustrated what has been known by most Americans for two centuries: that government under a democracy has a role in our lives, and that it exists to help us when we need it, and to be there when we're in trouble.
Putting politics aside a bit and governing for the greater good to help fellow human beings might be John Lynch's best legacy.
Today's Quote:
"New Hampshire's great tradition has always been to come down on the side of individual liberties and protections. That tradition continues today. Most families in New Hampshire will awaken tomorrow, go to work and to school, and feel no impact from what we have accomplished today. But for some, they will awaken tomorrow knowing we have said to them that they are equal, that they have the same rights to live and to love as everyone else. Today is a victory for all the people of New Hampshire, who I believe, in our own independent way, want tolerance for all. That is truly the New Hampshire way." - Governor John Lynch, June 3, 2009, moments before signing House Bill 436 for gay marriage.
Today's Thought: Former Governor Walter Peterson once told me that the only qualification needed to hold a public office should be wanting to help people.
Next Time: Gay Equality: About Matthew and Pedro
Jim Splaine is a former longtime Democratic state representative, state senator and assistant mayor from Portsmouth. His political column appears every other week in Seacoast Sunday.
