Conservation Corner: April 2, 2001

Cochran Is Model Senator
by James L. Cummins

Mississippians are very fortunate. We live in the best state in the Union.

And we have a U.S. Senator that is respected all over the world, and especially by the author of this column. If that's bragging a bit, that's ok. I don't back down at all.

When one looks in Webster under "Senator" there is a picture of this man. He is one of Mississippi's finest sons. The way he conducts himself has always been an inspiration to me. Mississippi has been blessed with this man. Like my ancestors, his were very involved with education and conservation in our fine state. His mother was a math teacher and math supervisor; my father was the same. Senator Cochran's parents were alumni of Hinds Community College - so was my mother. In 1954, my Aunt Minnie Chesteen was President of the Board of the Mississippi Educators Association; she served with Mr. Cochran. And Mrs. Cochran's late brother, Frank Berry - I know he married well too, but that's another story.

As Chairman of the powerful Agriculture Appropriations Committee, Senator Cochran funds the Conservation Reserve Program, the Wetland Reserve Program, the Wildlife Habitat Incentives Program and the Forestry Incentives Program. As an active member of the Migratory Bird Conservation Commission and the Interior Appropriations Subcommittee, this man has been influential in the establishment of National Wildlife Refuges and National Forests. Through his leadership, he is causing Mississippi to be #1 in the nation in providing waterfowl habitat, enabling the goals of the North American Waterfowl Management Plan to be reached.

Senator Cochran once said on the Senate floor of his late Administrative Assistant, Wiley Carter, "...he reminded all of us by his example that one of our highest priorities was to help solve the problems of the people of our State and to treat everyone who called on us with respect and courtesy." Wiley was a great man, but Wiley learned a lot from his boss too. People are cynical about government and politics. I do not have all of the answers, but I do know that more people with the traits of Senator Thad Cochran would be a good thing. We need more people who devote their time and energy to make government do a more cost-efficient and effective job. We need more people who work to make government respond to the needs of ordinary citizens and respect their opinions - not just special interest groups.

Mississippians are so thankful to have the benefit of the fine service of Senator Thad Cochran. I'm not sure I agree with cloning, but I sure think that one exception could be made. It will be a sad day when we are no longer able to vote for Senator Thad Cochran.

James L. Cummins is Executive Director of the Mississippi Fish and Wildlife Foundation in Stoneville, Mississippi. Known as "Wildlife Mississippi," the Foundation is a non-profit, conservation organization founded to conserve, restore and enhance fish, wildlife and plant resources throughout Mississippi.