
Two of my political heroes, Senator Bill Frist and Governor Mike Huckabee also happen to be two of the most optimistic people in the political world today. Governor Huckabee believes in the goodness of the American people. So does Senator Frist. Their unfailing optimism really shows the way forward for all Republicans. Respectful dissent, dealing with issues of the 21st century, without regard to political popularity will define the future of our party. Senator Frist has become one of the great humanitarians of our time by taking an issue that he believes passionately in, and working in innovative, creative ways to deal with that issue - eradicating HIV-Aids in Africa.
Governor Huckabee has taken strong positions on important core principles of the Republican Party, the sanctity of life, marriage, the fairtax, the economy and the environment.
Both men have taken principled stands with compassion and understanding towards those with whom they disagree. That is a lesson that we can all learn. When we find ourselves in disagreement with another, let that disagreement be civil, respectful and understanding. We can try to understand the other person's perspective without losing sight of the principles that we believe in.