July 13, 2025
I was recently at a conference where Laura Belin, the editor and publisher of Bleeding Heartland, spoke about the importance of citizens being present and making their voices known to their government representatives. We have recently observed such a scene playing out within our state.
The quotes and information used is from National Public Radio following a town hall meeting in Parkersburg..
Republican Senator Joni Ernst faced intense questioning from her constituents during a Friday (May 30) town hall, eliciting shouts and boos from community members over her support for President Trump’s contentious One Big Beautiful Bill Act. Someone in the crowd shouted in response: “People are going to die.”
Ernst replied, “We are all going to die. For heaven’s sakes,folks,” she continued with a smile.
Senator Ernst was correct about the death part of the statement, but what about the quality and appropriateness for those living? I had vague recall of a quote from Ghandi, “The greatness of a nation can be judged by how it treats its weakest member.” I began an Internet search for the exact wording and was surprised and disappointed that he never actually uttered that phrase.
Hubert Humphrey(1911-1978), though, had similar sentiments. He served as U.S. Vice President from 1965 to 1969. He spoke about the treatment of the weakest members of Society as a reflection of its government: “The ultimate moral test of any government is the way it treats three groups of its citizens. First, those in the dawn of life — our children. Second, those in the shadows of life — our needy, our sick, our handicapped. Third, those in the twilight of life — our elderly.”
It would have been beneficial for Sen. Ernst to review those remarks prior to her next day’s appearance, as she filmed an Instagram video. Appearing on camera with what look like tombstones in the background, Ernst said: “I would like to take this opportunity to sincerely apologize for a statement that I made yesterday at my town hall.
“I made an incorrect assumption that everyone in the auditorium understood that yes, we are all going to perish from this Earth,” she continued, adding that she’s glad she didn’t have to bring up the subject of the Tooth Fairy.
“But for those that would like to see eternal and everlasting life, I encourage you to embrace My Lord and savior, Jesus Christ,” she said.
The Senator continues to be berated about those comments, and mid-July news reports indicate she may be pondering not running for reelection.
Our extended family has recently had a celebration of life for a relative from Michigan. The deceased had kept a poem given to her by her grandmother, and very appropriately it was read at her service by her granddaughter. It is entitled, “ Take Time” written by Dr. Fred Helsabook.
A couple of the stanza’s “ Take time to live, it is the secret of success,” Take time to read, it is the foundation of knowledge.”
It seems very important that we take time to listen to our conscience and reflect on Hubert Humphrey’s statements from the 1970’s in how we expect our government and tax dollars to be spent on caring for those in the dawn, the shadows, and the twilight of their lives.
VIEW FROM MY WINDOW is written by Mary Weaver, of rural Rippey.
