Posted by
William D. Dannenmaier on Friday, January 15, 2010 10:52:34 AM
Congressman John Tanner has announced his retirement. I’m sorry about this, but it relieves me of a dilemma. A friend, an economist who worked for the Democrats in Washington DC for years and remains un-reformed, and I have the same general opinion of politicians but differ on one element. He claims they are all corrupt and I argue that there are some who aren’t. I believe Mr. Tanner is one who isn’t.
I first met Mr. Tanner and his assistant, Randy Ford, several years ago. At the time I was writing articles for the local paper and had some questions, now forgotten, that I wanted to ask him. So, I wrote and asked for a meeting the next time he was in Dickson. Not too long afterwards I received a call, I believe from Randy, who suggested we meet for lunch at the Sisters Restaurant in Dickson, setting a day and a time. I agreed.
Sheila and I arrived on time, went though the line selecting our meals and sat down to eat. Waiting for Congressman Tanner, I didn’t know what to expect. I had seen the television shots of Senator Gore, surrounded by a police escort and adoring fans and rather expected that. Instead, we were almost finished eating and the restaurant almost emptied when two rather ordinary men walked in and went through the line. They looked much like the salesmen and businessmen that I would see in restaurants when I worked in downtown St. Louis as a youth: everyday men, tired and perhaps a bit harried. After paying for their meals, they looked about the empty tables, spotted Sheila and I, walked over and introduced themselves. Thus I met Mr. Tanner and Mr. Ford.
I don’t remember the topics of the lunch, but I remember that I received straight forward answers, no hedging, to straight forward questions. I also remember thinking they were people I would welcome in my home at any time.
In the years since then I have, on occasion, asked for Congressman Tanner’s help or support on something. I have always received quick replies, usually from Randy, and usually the information or assistance I needed. In a couple of cases, I was directed to the proper source for assistance.
I have paid attention to Mr. Tanner’s voting over the years. There are times when I think he has made mistakes, but I have yet to meet anyone who hasn’t – especially me. I also believe he has been wrong on some issues, but then again, who hasn’t? There is also the possibility, remote of course, that I was wrong about his decision and he was correct.
In general, I believe he has been an honest representative of the district. It might amuse him to know that I have considered writing to him, at times, suggesting that he join the Republican Party.
His retirement decision resolves a dilemma for me. I had hoped that the Republicans would put up a candidate whom I could whole-heartedly support. That would relieve me of the concern for voting for Mr. Tanner again. Actually, a vote for a Republican for whom I was less than enthusiastic would have been a vote, on my part, against Ms. Pelosi, whom I believe to be an unscrupulous politician, more interested in her own welfare (and wealth) and that of her family than in the good of the nation as a whole, including the people in the district who continue to elect her. That problem is now resolved. Two people will be running, neither of whom I know, but I do know that a vote for the Democrat will be a vote for Pelosi as well. Does that telegraph my vote?