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 For Immediate
Release
2/12/07
CONTACT:
PA
Senate Republican Communications
(717) 787-6725
Eichelberger Gives Lincoln Day Speech
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HARRISBURG --Senator John Eichelberger today delivered the Lincoln Day speech on the Senate
floor. This is a significant honor for a freshman Senator to recognize our
first Republican President. Eichelberger spoke of Lincoln's character and his
role in today's world.
Text of Speech
Madam President I rise today on the one
hundred and forty sixth birthday of Abraham Lincoln to continue the
Senate's fine tradition of, each year, honoring on this special day,
America's sixteenth president.
You know, this should be an easy
assignment.
We found over three million results on a
quick Google of Lincoln's name. There are thousands of books claiming
to be the "defining Lincoln biography."
Paintings, like the one that towers over us
at the front of this very Chamber are found in public buildings all
across America.
We have pennies in our pockets with that
famous Lincoln profile.
And in Gettysburg, just a few miles from
here, is a town made famous from the battle fought on its farm fields
and wood lands and from the lines of the immortal address authored and
spoken by President Lincoln.
Cities and schools and monuments and even
cars bear the Lincoln name.
Lincoln is everywhere.
Like George Washington, Thomas Jefferson or
perhaps Benjamin Franklin, Mr. Lincoln's life's work has made a mortal
man into an eternal presence. A symbol of leadership, tenacity, vision,
and strength in short, a symbol of America as we know it today.
He's the greatest reason why 50 stars are
stitched on the blue field of every American flag.
And he's the reason why the birthright to be free can be claimed by
every American.
But Madame President, mere legends are hard
to learn from.
Many of the images of public servants we
hoist to the top of granite pedestals are destined to be toppled.
And in 21st Century America, when we find
most of our leaders with clay feet, moral imperfections and occasional
bad judgment, the focus groups and the pollsters turn quickly to find
the next short-term hero, who says and does politically correct things
until, at least, the next election cycle.
Abraham Lincoln's legacy and reputation
stand the test of time because what we've found when we search to
uncover the "real" Lincoln what we find from his private and public
record - is a life filled with heartache, disappointment, and many,
defeats
But a life of uncompromising character and
unshakable integrity.
I think it's worth speculating --- If
Abraham Lincoln was a member of the Senate of Pennsylvania, today in
2007, would there be any doubt of his interest in pleading with us in
the hallways and caucus rooms of this capitol to mend the broken trust
between our legislature and a disillusioned citizenry.
To open the books.
To shed light and make transparent our
legislative process.
To end a culture of privilege so
disconnected from the lives of the people we serve.
To treat public service as a temporary
trust, not a way of life.
There is little doubt he would.
And I think he'd be pleased with the steps
we've taken these past few weeks. Changing the way business has been
conducted. With laws and rules that protect the reputation of this
institution and help to safeguard the hard earned money of the
taxpayers.
"Senator" Lincoln would be somewhat
encouraged.
He knew, as the founders did, that power
corrupts. That without checks and balances on a flawed and fallen human
nature, the mistakes of the past would inevitably repeat, again and
again, and again.
He also knew that no matter how many ethics
laws we pass. Or bans on trips or cars or gifts, that it would still be
up to us to "self govern."
It would be up to us to decide whether our
conduct enhances or detracts from this elected body.
It would be up to us to ignore our own
political advisors when their recommendations contradict conscience and
principle.
And it would be up to us, as members, that
when the cameras are off and the reporters stop writing about reform, to
continue to "do the right thing."
Lincoln's value to our lives today isn't
just for 2nd Grade battlefield school trips or annual celebrations or
tributes like this.
Abraham Lincoln's importance to the work of
this legislative body and our role as citizens is a hallmark against
which we measure our commitment to what we believe.
Slavery has been removed from our law books.
50 independent states form a united country.
These remarkable truths are a portion of his
public record, his legacy for Americans.
Does his spirit of uncompromised truth live
today in this chamber or will the people of this great state be ashamed
of our actions. It is incumbent upon us to remember Lincoln often and
pray for the wisdom and the character of this great leader.
Thank you Madam President and I thank the
members of the Senate for this privilege.
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