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South Dakota deserves to hear directly from Johnson
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FarkEver since South Dakota’s senior senator, Sen. Tim Johnson, was stricken with a brain hemorrhage in December of 2006, he has been recovering in near total seclusion from the press, the public and, most importantly, from his constituency.
The shield of privacy that Johnson’s family, friends and congressional staff erected around him in those early days, weeks and months was certainly understandable.
Speculating on Johnson’s political future as he fought for his life was offensive to many, and rightfully so.
But more than seven months have passed since South Dakota has had a full contingent in Congress, and many now suggest that it may be time for more transparency in the senator’s recovery and in his timetable for a return to Congress.
We agree, and we urge the senator to communicate directly with the media and the people of South Dakota about those matters. Several intermediaries, including Johnson’s wife, Barbara, and former Sen. Tom Daschle, have offered glimpses into his recovery.
But there have been no firm answers about how much longer South Dakota can expect to be without one-third of its voice in Washington, D.C.
The truth is that Sen. Johnson is an elected official, not a private citizen, and his election to that office comes with responsibilities to the public he serves. The people of South Dakota deserve to hear from Sen. Johnson - in person.
It’s time to offer an open and honest view of where he stands, healthwise, to the public that elected him.
At this point, to do any less might appear to be more about protecting a political seat in the Senate than about protecting his health or privacy.
Like people everywhere, the Rapid City Journal Editorial Board wishes Sen. Johnson a full and complete recovery from the devastating effects of a brain hemorrhage.
Barring that, we wish him a speedy return to public life, with whatever physical challenges or limitations his illness produced.
The opinions above are from readers of rapidcityjournal.com and in no way represent the views of the Rapid City Journal or Lee Enterprises.
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