New book tells the story of former southern Illinois Congressman Glenn Poshard

Glenn Poshard, 77, tells the story of his life in a new book, “Son of Southern Illinois.” (Dave Dahl/WJBC)

By Dave Dahl

SPRINGFIELD – For Glenn Poshard, it’s neither his time in Congress, nor as president of Southern Illinois University, nor being the 1998 Democratic nominee for governor which stands out most in his life.

“25 years ago, after I lost the governor’s race” to George Ryan, said Poshard, “my wife and I founded a foundation for abused, neglected, and abandoned children. Over the years we have been able to take care of thousands of these children in southern Illinois, which has 2 ½ times the rate of abuse and abandonment as the rest of the state.

“That’s been the most gratifying thing for us in our life.”

Poshard, 77, tells the story of his life in a new book, “Son of Southern Illinois.”

Dave Dahl can be reached at [email protected]

Blogs

Labor Day – Expanding voting rights for all

By Mike Matejka Because of COVID, there is no Labor Day Parade this year.  It’s always a great event for our everyday workers to march proudly down the street and enjoys the festive crowd. If there had been a parade, this year’s Labor Day theme was to be “150 years of struggle: your right to vote.” …

Is federal mobilization the answer?

By Mike Matejka As President Donald Trump threatens to send federal marshals into Chicago, over the objections of Illinois Governor J.B. Pritzker, recall another Illinois Governor who protested the incursion of armed federal personnel into the city.   Those federal troops, rather than calming, escalated the situation, leading to deaths and violence. Illinois poet Vachel Lindsay…

In these troubled times, to my fellow white Americans

By Mike Matejka Our nation is at a unique watershed in human relations. African-Americans have been killed too many times in the past before George Floyd, but the response to this man’s death is international and all-encompassing. I was a grade-schooler during the Civil Rights 1960s. I watched Birmingham demonstrators hosed and the Selma – Montgomery…

Workers’ Memorial Day – Remember those whose job took their life

Looking around our community, when we say employer, most will respond to State Farm, Country, or Illinois State University.   We too often forget those who are building our roads, serving our food, or our public employees. COVID-19 has made us more aware of the risk.  Going to work every day for some people means…