Political Quotes

“Tomorrow, the city of Chicago and Cook County, IL, will say goodbye to a legend. John Stroger was born into poverty in Arkansas at the start of the Great Depression. He lived to become the first African American ever elected president of the Board of Commissioners of Cook County, IL. He lived to be one of the most powerful politicians in my home State. He died at 8 o'clock last Friday morning from complications of a stroke he suffered almost 2 years ago and from which he never fully recovered. John Stroger was 78 years old. Mayor Daley confirmed the passing of John Stroger at a prayer breakfast on that day when we were honoring Dr. Martin Luther King. What a fitting coincidence. Dr. King had told us: Everybody can be great, because everyone can serve. John Stroger spent his life serving. John Stroger was a grandson of former slaves who believed in the promise of America and believed that government can and should be a force for progress. He was a man of compassion, integrity, great humor, and great political skill. He used all of those qualities to help others. He spent his political life breaking down racial barriers and working to lift up those who were less fortunate. His lifelong commitment to serve those who struggle every day to find affordable, quality medical care will certainly be his legacy.”