March 23, 2007 6:47 AM

Yes, kids, some things really are more important than politics

Elizabeth Edwards’ cancer returns

Like a lot of folks, I get caught up in the game of politics…and it IS a game. I’m competitive and I care deeply about the direction in which our country is headed. There are those who play the game as if they learned it at the Niccolo Machiavelli School of Public Policy. There are those who recognize that politics is at it’s most basic really only a game and do what they can within the rules of the game. And then there are those who play the game, even while being battered by the vagaries and challenges of life, as if their life depended on it. John Edwards’ passion and commitment to the issues that are important to him is truly impressive. Even more impressive is his commitment to his wife and family…and that commitment is about to nce again be put to a very emotional and public test, one that none of us should ever have to deal with.

That Elizabeth Edwards’ cancer has returned is not especially newsworthy, but it’s yet another significant challenge for a marriage that has spanned some 30 years. She’s been very upfront about her fight, and it looks as if that fight continues. If her public battle with cancer can convince one more person to get tested…well, that’s one more person who might be around to hug their children or grandchildren for another day.

Mrs. Edwards’ prognosis may be good, but the return of her cancer is yet another example of the reality that life is not permanent, and that it can be taken from any of us at any time. She’s no more or less special or notable than any other cancer patient, save for the reality that much of her fight will be in the public eye due to her husband’s Presidential campaign.

There are times when politics needs to be recognized for the insignificant game it is. What’s truly important is our continued ability to continue drawing breath. Without that, not much else really matters. Here’s to hoping that Liberals and Conservatives will be able to recognize that, and that they’ll be able to say a prayer or three for Elizabeth Edwards, and perhaps even make a donation to the American Cancer Society or the Lance Armstrong Foundation. I have, and I hope that you will give it some consideration as well.

Today it’s Elizabeth Edwards. Tomorrow it may be you or someone you love.

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About this Entry

This page contains a single entry by Jack Cluth published on March 23, 2007 6:47 AM.

Liars, damn liars...and Tom DeLay was the previous entry in this blog.

Surely you can understand that we're shallow and superficial...and stop calling me Shirley!! is the next entry in this blog.

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