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A Man Of The People

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Message Suzana Megles

I had heard about this self-effacing and hard-working State Senator before, so
when I belatedly read in a Slovak Insurance newspaper that Michael A. O'Pake,
senior Pennsylvania legislator representing Reading and most of Berks County had
died on December 27, 2010, I was deeply saddened and wanted to to read all that I
could about him.  

He was 70 years old when he passed away and had worked many, many years for
the people of his district, and these were years of concern and accomplishment for
them.  I could not help thinking that he should have held higher political office because
he certainly was not the type of legislator we so often see today - self-serving and with
their hands in the pockets of big donors - doing their will and not the will of the people
who elected them.

Myself, a product of a Catholic education as he, I could never measure up to his credentials.
He graduated valedictorian from his high school in 1957 and then summa cum laude from
St. Joseph's University in Philadelphia in 1961.  He went on to earn his Juris Doctorate
from the University of the Pennsylvania School of Law in 1974 where he received the
Keedy Cup for best appellate advocacy. 

Clearly he was a brilliant student, but the one award that I think clearly defined his life
was when he received the prestigious Shield of Loyola.  Upon receiving it, he said: "I
hope tonight and tomorrow, when we all look back we can answer this question in the
affirmative: "Has my life made a difference for good in the lives of others?" 

The internet provides a very clear answer to his question re himself.  I found a site where
people that he had contact with during his public service gave their impression of this
very special man.     

On Jan.2, 2011 the Reading Eagle published an article which read:  "People's politician
Michael A. O'Pake Remembered."  Berks County residents share their fond, appreciative
memories of Sen. Michael A. O'Pake.

There were 14 pages of remembrances, so I'll do my best to pick at least some of them
to think about: 

1.  Claire M. Schittler:  "He has always worked for the people and his staff is the greatest.
 I can't imagine anyone being able to fill his shoes."

2.  Tim Garman:  When I was a junior at Gov Mifflin High School, I spent the day with
Sen. O'Pake and his staff in Harrisburg....I remember the senator having a busier day
than he expected, but he still found time to spend with me."

3.  John T. Connelly:  " Mike O'Pake was, in my view the consummate politician.  He viewed
politics as both a profession and a calling....In an age in which politicians are often, and
with some justification, viewed with scorn, Mike was an example as to how politicians
should comport themselves.  He was the antithesis of what has unfortunately become the
current model for many of our current political leaders. If a highly skilled biographer were
to write about the life and times of Michael O'Pake, the resulting book would become a
primer for anyone considering entering politics at the federal, state, or local level.  The
result would serve us all with great benefit if potential candidates would be required to
read his biography and understand what drove him to serve for the sake of the populace-
not for himself. 

(Totally, totally do I agree with your well- said sentiments.  Any writers out there who would
want to do this?  I think you would be performing a much-needed service.)

4. James Price:  "Over the years at Central Catholic basketball games, we played our own
version of 'Where's Waldo?'  That being 'Where's Mike O?'  Who could be the first to spot
him in the crowd?  Even though I usually lost, he was always in there somewhere." 

5.  Elaine W. Laws:  "Michael O'Pake was the people's senator, always willing to help
others.  His presence was felt at all the parades, the 100th birthday celebrations of people
at various nursing facilites, the go-to person when you needed help and didn't know where
to turn.  Always visible with the same warm smile."

6.  Charlene V Flannery:  " On Nov.22, 2010, my son, Staff Sgt. Sean Flannery, was
killed in action in Afghanistan - the same day Sen. OPake had his cardiac surgery.  Last
week I received a Pennsylvania State Senate Memorial Proclamation honoring my son
for his service and sacrifice.  This document was sponsored by Senators Michael O'Pake
and Mike Formier.  In spite of his illness, he remembered my son.  This truly speaks of
the character of this remarkable man and his devotion to those he served.  Thank you,
Senator.  May you rest in peace."

7.  Joan E. Herbst:  "Losing Mike O'Pake is like losing a member of your family.  He was
the most honest politician I ever heard of.  He never forgot his roots and helped so many
people.  He will be irreplaceable.  Even though I'm a registered Republican, he was the best
of the best.  I met him many times ......and it surely helped he was one handsome guy - an
old lady of 80 will surely miss him."

( So will this 81 year -old lady who though never having had the pleasure of meeting him,
found his story so very beautiful and inspiring.)

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I have been concerned about animal suffering ever since
I received my first puppy Peaches in 1975. She made me take a good look at the animal kingdom and I was shocked to see how badly we treat so many animals. At 77, I've been a vegan for the (more...)
 
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