Former Gov Tom Vilsack Engages In Irony

Former Iowa Governor Tom Vilsack is writing columns these days about revitalizing the rural economy. There are two ironies to be found.

In my first year as a legislator, I was placed on the agriculture committee. Sitting next to me--then-Senator Tom Vilsack, a lawyer and former small-town mayor. At the opening meeting, committee members were asked to introduce themselves. Almost everyone on the committee talked about their farming background. I introduced myself as a community activist. Senator Vilsack turned to me and in a low voice said, "I am so glad to not be the only non-farmer on this committee."

He is one of the more intelligent and creative people with whom I've ever worked--so he did fine.

The other irony: the first bill passed by the Iowa Senate in my freshman year was a bill eliminating the inheritance tax for direct descendants. The man who led the charge against the bill: Tom Vilsack, who, in a long, passionate speech on the floor, defended the government's role in "redistributing wealth."