Understanding may work when harsh words fail

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Sparks flew last week at an Illinois House committee meeting. Words spoken by a veteran Chicago Democratic lawmaker got three Republican representatives - including one from northwest Illinois - hot under the collar.

In her advocacy for legislation to reduce recidivism of former criminals, state Rep. Monique Davis made the absurd statement that some of the bill's opponents didn't want inmates to succeed on the outside. Instead of supporting a loan program to help ex-cons start businesses, these lawmakers, according to Davis, want to see offenders repeat their crimes. That way, downstate prisons stay full, and local prison workers keep their jobs.

Here's how Davis characterized the downstate lawmakers' views:

"We've got to have those prisons. They've got to come down here from Chicago, and we've got to keep them filled because that's how we get work. ... We no longer have farms. We don't raise cows and pigs. We keep prisons."

What?

No one can blame downstaters for reacting strongly to Davis' assertions. However, we think state Rep. Jim Sacia, a Republican from Pecatonica, missed the boat when he characterized her remarks as "racial hatred."

Was she insensitive?

Certainly.

Was she misinformed?

Obviously.

Is she guilty of "racial hatred"?

No.

What we do think this episode demonstrates is a glaring lack of understanding among state lawmakers, some of whom apparently fail to appreciate pressing issues outside their own districts.

Instead of demanding an investigation, Sacia should take this opportunity to cordially invite Davis to visit his 89th District in northwest Illinois. While only 113 miles separate the two lawmakers' homes, there is a much wider gap to be bridged.

We'd like to see Sacia show Davis that, yes indeed, there are prosperous farms, livestock operations, manufacturers and cutting-edge technology being utilized out here in the hinterlands. She also would learn the district is home to good, caring people who don't wish ill upon anyone, particularly prison inmates.

Perhaps Davis would return the favor, inviting Sacia to tour her southwest Chicago district, so he could gain a better grasp of the issues she holds dear.

Maybe that's what the Legislature needs - an exchange program to help Illinois lawmakers break down barriers of mistrust and misunderstanding, and give them greater incentive for solving the state's thorny problems.

Angry words haven't gotten us very far. Why not give understanding and cooperation a try?

It couldn't hurt.