The late U.S. Sen. George McGovern's life is a role model for politicians of any political persuasion. He said what he believed and believed what he said. He was thoughtful about public policy and viewed public service as a higher calling. McGovern loved God, family and country. He strived throughout his life to make the world a better place.
For those who want to learn more about McGovern, I recommend reading the excellent book "The Liberals' Moment: The McGovern Insurgency and the Identity Crisis of the Democratic Party" by Dr. Bruce Miroff, professor of political science at the University at Albany.
After a decade full of war and financial calamity, it is a good time for America to stop and reflect on the wisdom of McGovern, who was influenced by the success of President Franklin Roosevelt's New Deal and the failure of a misguided war in Vietnam. McGovern advocated nation-building at home through an effective federal government and a competitive private sector to promote life, liberty and justice for all.
His slogan of "Come Home America" is still relevant today. While the immediate meaning of this phrase was to bring home U.S. troops in Vietnam, I believe there was a deeper meaning. I believe it also meant that America should come home to its values and not to continue to engage in a misdirected military adventure that negatively impacts people abroad but also America itself.
While McGovern failed to win the presidency, he prevailed in the end by keeping his honor while Richard Nixon won the presidency but lost whatever honor he had.
PAUL A. ALEXANDER
Altamont