Same goals, 150 years later

SPRINGFIELD- After reflecting on Gov. Bruce Rauner's 2015 state of the state address, State Sen. Martin Sandoval (D-Chicago) had the following words to say:

150 years ago, a tall, self-made white man from Springfield called on the General Assembly to protect the rights of minorities by abolishing slavery and ratifying the 13th Amendment.

Last week, another tall, self-made white man who lives in Springfield called on the General Assembly to remove institutional barriers facing racial minorities.

He called for greater inclusion in trade unions, specifically noting the lack of racial minorities in apprenticeship programs.

He called for a 25 percent reduction in the prison population (overwhelmingly filled with racial minorities).

He pledged to invest in minority businesses and insist that government contractors work with minority entrepreneurs.

This man's name wasn't Abraham. His name is Bruce. And his sincere commitment to racial minorities should be acknowledged and celebrated.