SIMON SAYS, AND SIMON WILL BE MISSED

Former U.S. Senator -- and former member of the U.S. and Illinois House of Representatives -- Paul Simon died unexpectedly last week from complications associated with heart surgery. He was one of my favorite politicians, and not just because he always wore a bowtie.

Paul Simon was a tireless advocate for the oppressed, and not surprisingly, an unabashed liberal who almost never lost an election. He had a spotless reputation and Mr. Nice-guy image for close to 50 years while flourishing in the anything-goes world of regional and national politics. With his signature bowties, unmistakable voice, and practice of writing personal letters to many of the people he met, Simon projected an academic image, yet he never graduated from college and still managed to write over 20 books.

Whenever I think of good government, government that works on behalf of the people, I will always think about Paul Simon.

I ditto. Very nice tribute. He will be missed: In his deeds ...indeed! Because he cared. We need more of them and not just in politics.

My sentiments exactly.