How is Senator Tim Johnson?
To the news media: Please don't cower from the questions which must be asked.
By Mark Kilmer
Senator Tim Johnson (D-South Dakota) underwent emergency brain surgery last December 14 – "to evacuate the blood and stabilize the malformation," according to the U.S. Capitol Physician, Admiral John Eisold – following hemorrhaging from a congenital brain condition.
Media speculation went immediately to a discussion of the divided Senate – 49 Democrats, 49 Republicans, 2 Indies who caucus with the Dems – and the possibility that South Dakota's Republican Governor Mike Rounds would name Senator Johnson's successor who would serve for the remainder of the Senator's term, as it expires after this session anyway. Such talk, though somewhat morbid, was necessary, I though, with a closely but deeply divided Senate facing issues of fundamental national importance. And now, with Harry Reid and Russ Feingold threatening to defund our troops as they fight to secure Iraq, and with Chris Dodd babbling like an idiot, threatening this or that, Johnson's vote is of critical import. The Democrats often need 60 votes to pass their more wild-eyed propositions, and they could use Johnson's help.
Read On…
At the end of February, we were told:
Johnson left a Washington hospital last week to enter a private rehabilitation facility. Sedated for weeks after his Dec. 13 attack, he is now described by aides as alert and able to talk, but he is still experiencing considerable weakness on his right side.
His staff won't say where he is, or how long it will be until he's in a condition to report to the Senate, but his recuperation - which includes four hours a day of physical and speech therapy - is expected to take months.
Democratic leaders - intensely protective of Johnson and unwilling to vent their concerns publicly - are resigned to the situation.
That was two and a half months after the Senator's emergency surgery. It is understandable that the Democrats would be guarded about the Senator and jealous of their bare majority, but one would like the think that the media, the journalists who think of themselves as the eyes and ears of the public, as the public's watchdog, would ask a question or two. Would demand some solid information, for the people of South Dakota and for the nation at this critical time.
No. This thing is on hold.
Yesterday brought us this press release from Senator Johnson's peeps:
Johnson's Doctors Say Johnson Continues to Progress
Washington, DC—U.S. Senator Tim Johnson continues his recovery in an in-patient rehabilitation facility, where he will spend the Easter holiday with his family. His doctors are pleased with his progress and have released additional information.
The Senator continues to make gains with regard to strengthening in his right leg. The attending physician states, "These very early signs of physical improvement offer the hope of even greater gains over time. It is not uncommon for arteriovenous malformation (AVM) patients to see improvement for up to 2 years."
"Patience, faith and family keep me moving forward. Between therapy, my Senate work and following the news in South Dakota, I have been keeping busy. Barb can attest that I am anxious to get back to traveling the state and visiting with South Dakotans," said Senator Johnson.
The follow-up contacts are Senator Johnson's press people.
What's going on, and why aren't the news reporters, the country's journalistic scholars, finding out and telling us. Senator Johnson does deserve a modicum of privacy, but we should offer him privacy up to the point where his life becomes public. Serving in the United States Senate is a public duty and a responsibility to the people of South Dakota and of the United States.
I pray for Senator Johnson, and I hope that all is well. I hope that he is able to return to the Senate soon and resume his work. If he cannot, he owes it to all concerned, including to himself, to step aside. The news media owes us its best effort to discover the truth. If things are as I pray, Senator Johnson will soon take a decision on whether or not he wants to serve after what he has been through. If he chooses to resume his work, good for him. If things are as I fear… the math is not difficult.
To the news media: Please don't cower from the questions which must be asked.
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