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Editor's weekly: The sage and the political warrior

This article first appeared in the St. Louis Beacon, Jan. 11, 2013 - Dear Beaconites --

Dr. William H. Danforth II, the quiet sage who recently won the St. Louis Award, and Ed Martin, the boisterous political warrior who recently won election as head of Missouri's Republican Party, couldn't be more different. Yet they shared the news spotlight this week, and the contrast is fascinating.

In a Beacon profile, Richard Weiss compared Danforth to Stan Musial. That's how much respect Danforth enjoys in the civic realm. That he'd win a prestigious award for community service comes as no shock. The only surprise is that he had not won it already. At 86, Danforth has been the guiding force behind decades of community building, most recently aimed at making St. Louis an international leader in plant science.

Danforth was among the earliest supporters of the Beacon, willing to take a chance before we had posted a pixel, willing to back serious online news when many thought that concept was an oxymoron. Does his support for the Beacon color my judgment of his character? If so, I'm in good company. Over the years, I've heard many people spontaneously attest that Danforth is their role model; I've heard no one question his integrity.

Rather than Stan the Man, I think of Danforth as Dumbledore — an unassuming but powerful presence who ponders deeply, speaks sparingly and is capable of working magic. Under Danforth's guidance as chancellor, Washington U. was transformed — and I use the passive tense intentionally in deference to his self-deprecatory manner. He leads by inspiring others, not by claiming attention for himself. Yet his vision and steady guidance have been crucial in setting the stage for St. Louis' reinvention.

In accepting his award at the Donald Danforth Plant Science Center, Danforth spoke of his dreams for this institution he helped found. He wants to feed the planet through an "Ever-Green Revolution" that increases food while decreasing environmental harm. And he wants St. Louis to lead the way.

"… our region has a rare opportunity to take part in and, even more important, to help lead wonderful advances for both our world and our home community," Danforth said. "We will do so if we make the most of our opportunities, if we work together, as all have been doing, for the common good, if we care about who does the work not about the credit. I see a bright future."

Ed Martin aspires to lead a very different kind of revolution, a return to conservative values that he sees as key to the future. As political reporter Jo Mannies noted, Martin's election was a victory of tea party factions and other anti-establishment forces within the GOP.

Though most Missouri Republican activists and office holders would characterize themselves as conservative, the party is riven with fault lines — between the state House and Senate, between rural and suburban, and between the old guard and the new. An ideological stalwart, Martin opposes abortion, same sex marriage and many government programs. But he said this week that he would reach out to all kinds of Republicans and lead the party to greater success.

While Danforth has steered clear of personal controversy, Martin has at times been in the thick of it. Some years ago, he left as Gov. Matt Blunt's chief of staff after a dispute over office emails. Martin's run last year for attorney general and other forays on the campaign trail have been combative.

Yet he can also be personable. Several years ago, I met Martin for coffee and conversation about the political committee he was working for at the time. It had ties to the swift boat campaign attack that helped sink John Kerry's presidential bid, and Martin had a reputation as a slash and burn strategist. Yet his demeanor was anything but sinister. He talked — fast and with cheerful enthusiasm — about his conservative convictions.

What meaning can we draw from the juxtaposition of Martin and Danforth in the news this week? Perhaps that it's the end of an era that prized patience and humility. Perhaps that ideology has replaced personal character as the coin of civic interaction. Or perhaps that the political wrangling that so often dominates the headlines is only part of the story. St. Louisans also can draw on a legacy of wisdom and service as we face the conundrums of the moment and the possibilities of the future.

Sincerely,

Margie