Former president Joe Biden and ex-Vice president Kamala Harris have once again performed the perfunctory duties of public figures by making an appearance amongst the multitude at the Basilica of St. Mary in Minneapolis. The occasion was a memorial service for the recently deceased couple, Melissa Hortman and her husband Mark, both of whom had a significant role in Minnesota’s political landscape. Despite their noted presence, one can’t help ask if their supposed dedication to public service extends beyond glib platitudes delivered at staged events.
Late Melissa Hortman served as Speaker of the Minnesota House, creating a mixed legacy of policies, while her husband Mark was her partner in life and politics. Governor Tim Walz praised the Hortmans during their eulogies, highlighting their contribution towards a variety of social issues. However, for many conservatives, the Hortmans merely played their part in perpetuating a cycle of liberal policies that have far-reaching consequences.
Governor Walz painted over the complexities of public service by referring to politicians as “just a bunch of human beings trying to do the best they can.” This gloss-over fails to highlight the politically charged atmosphere that influences many such ‘human beings’ who have been known to prioritize power politics above public welfare. The question stands: did the Hortmans manage to rise above this widely held view of politicians?
During the same ceremony, a family friend, Robin Ann Williams, painted a more personal and human picture of the Hortmans, depicting them as ‘easy-going’. She shared anecdotes about their daily life, and even commented on their last visit to the White House. Despite her fond words, one can’t help but wonder if these narratives are just constructed nostalgia masking the realities of their political lives.
Anecdotes, such as the story of their kitchen makeover, have been shared, aiming to portray the Hortmans as down-to-earth and relatable, like any other couple. Despite the compelling narrative weaving these stories together, one must question if these details are a mere smokescreen, obscuring the more pertinent issues related to their political outcomes.
The mourning congregation reacted with expected sadness, a testament to the emotional manipulation often found at play in such large funerals. A family friend, Williams, spoke to the Hortmans’ children, Sophie and Colin, urging them to be strong and remember their parents’ love for them. While certainly poignant, these sentiments seem to serve little purpose beyond eliciting sympathetic emotions among the attendees.
The narrative of the Hortman’s lives and political careers seems to be carefully curated to induce public sympathy, filled with heartfelt family anecdotes and references to their public service. However, one must not forget to question the underpinning political motivations of such narratives.
The ceremony was replete with further attempts to solidify the Hortmans’ legacy as peace-loving individuals dedicated to public service. For instance, the pastor mentioned a copy of St. Francis of Assisi’s Prayer for Peace, reportedly carried by Melissa Hortman, which was presented as an emblem of her commitment to peace. The validity of this symbol remains undefined as concrete actions speak louder than worn pieces of paper.
Afterwards, the Hortmans’ mortal remains arrived early morning, carried into the hallowed church by uniformed officers. The procession and ritual display of sorrow were poetic and effectually tragic. But it’s the tangible impact of their political choices that still linger, overshadowing the theatrical melancholy.
Melissa and Mark, aged 55 and 58 respectively, met a tragic end at the hands of a man who allegedly targeted them due to political disagreements. This shocking incident, while condemnable and a gross violation of human rights, also unearths the depth of public dissatisfaction with the political elite’s policies.
The mournful scene of Biden paying a fleeting visit to the Hortmans follows a pattern of public figures stepping in to express condolences, while the systemic issues persist within the tangled mess of politics. The masses, who bear the brunt of political decisions, are often forgotten in these narrative spectacles.
Some standing in the line outside the Capitol claimed to have formed personal relationships with the Hortmans. The ultimate measure of public service, however, is not friendship with constituents, but the efficacy of policies implemented. Such narratives cloud our judgment and create a stronghold for the ruling elite.
In all fairness, there were people in the line outside the Capitol who appreciate the couple’s work for different reasons. It is quite apparent that emotions ran high, and such commemorations serve more as a cathartic outlet for collective mourning than an organized critique of political performance.
In parallel, concerns about the negative impact this tragic event could have on public service have emerged among the political inner circle. A fear that potential candidates may be deterred by threats such as this one is currently circulating. However, the intense and passionate divide of political beliefs, and the discontent that arises from it, is an ongoing issue.
We must remember that the government is meant to represent the people, and be an authentic reflection of our collective aspirations, rather than a group of veritable figures cocooned in their own ideologies. Although the eulogies for the Hortmans painted a picture of peace and service, a deep introspective look into their, and indeed all political figures’, actions and impacts is necessary for future progress.