A decision to respect

Over his years as governor, we’ve had our share of differences with Mitch Daniels. It’s probably safe to say we’ve disagreed with him more often than not.
But this week he impressed us.
Not as governor. Not as a politician. But as a husband and father.
By choosing to put the wishes of his family above political ambition, he made a meaningful statement about what is important in life.
Those who seek public office are used to having their egos stroked. The higher the office, the greater the flattery. Inevitably, some folks lose their sense of perspective.
(Someone once described a U.S. Senator as a person who expected a round of applause simply for stepping out of the shower.)
And there’s no denying Mitch Daniels has a healthy ego. His self-confidence at times seems boundless.
But so too is his devotion to his family.
Anyone who has read the story of his divorce, his wife’s marriage to someone else, her subsequent divorce, and her return to re-marry Mitch Daniels understands that this is a man who knows when to put his ego on the shelf. His love for his wife — despite their divorce — and the value he placed on restoring and preserving his family cannot be questioned.
At a time when American politics sometimes seems to be completely out of whack, the governor has sent a powerful message. — J.R.[[In-content Ad]]