Lee Eaton: Profile in Courage
by Robert Morrison
December 14, 2009
Lee Eaton, the former Chairman of Family Research Council’s Board of Directors, has passed away. Our hearts and our prayers go out to the Eaton family. I have a special place in my heart for this outstanding Christian gentleman.
In 1995, I attended a conference here in Washington at the Willard Hotel. One of the conference speakers was then-Sen. Phil Gramm of Texas. Sen. Gramm was a most knowledgeable economist. In 1981, he had co-sponsored the famous Gramm-Latta bill when he was a Democrat in the House of Representatives. Gramm-Latta was Ronald Reagan’s Number One economic priority. That bill passed with strong bi-partisan support. That’s something we’ve rarely seen recently. And it became the basis for America’s booming prosperity for nearly thirty years.
When Phil Gramm was booted out of the House Democratic caucus for helping President Reagan win his greatest domestic victory, he did a most extraordinary thing. He resigned his seat, switched parties, and ran for election to Congress as a Republican. He won overwhelmingly.
Later, as U.S. Senator, Phil Gramm always voted pro-life. And we deeply appreciated it. But Lee Eaton wanted more. He wanted a man who was going to run for President to be not just a quiet supporter of life. He wanted Sen. Gramm to have the confidence to move people’s hearts on this most troubling of questions.
Sen. Gramm’s prepared remarks to the conference were received with strong applause. He was clearly scoring points with this conservative audience.
Then, Lee Eaton stood up. In his most courtly manner, he thanked the senator for his consistent pro-life voting record. But Lee asked Phil Gramm why he never spoke out in behalf of the unborn.
Sen. Gramm answered: “I’m runnin’ for President, not for first preacher.” The audience was stunned. There were audible groans from the people who only moments before had cheered the brave Texan.
It would not be an exaggeration to say that was the worst answer from a Presidential candidate ever, until, of course, one later said the question of the humanity of the unborn is “above my pay grade.”
Sen. Gramm’s campaign for President of the United States never caught fire. He was quickly in and quickly out.
I have never forgotten that wonderful moment. Lee Eaton stood tall and spoke for all of us in that room. He gave courage to many of us who on occasion felt beaten down. I thank God for his heart, his honor, and his fearlessness.
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Comments
I’m grateful to read about this man and the legacy he’s had in doing the right thing. Human life is precious and I too give tribute to Mr Eaton’s life.
Dearest Mrs. Eaton:
As a sister in Christ I wish to send my sincerest sympathy to you and your family. Though death separates us momentarily, we do not grieve as those who have no hope, but wait for the blessed assurance of being united with our loved ones one day and FOREVER!
I thank our gracious God for men like Lee Eaton. He was used mightily of God and faithful to his charge. I thank God for Lee’s faithfulness and his courage to at times go against the prevailing culture. And knowing that God is on our side, we can do the same. The glorious example of this brave men sends out the Light of Jesus!
May the God of hope give you untold blessings in the coming year, and I thank you for the encouragement of hearing part of Lee’s courageous story.
Yours for the Kingdom of God,
Dolores Cole
Kansas City
I had three abortions and lived to regret every single one. Adoption is the answer. God bless you and your family and thank you for standing tall with Jesus Christ.
Mr. Eaton was a brave and generous man who no doubt saved the lives of some who could not speak for themselves. May God bless and comfort his family.
Praise God for Kingdom workers like the Eaton family in this field. More brothers and sisters in Christ need to be educated, informed and to believe in Kingdom work within the fields of politics. I love that story mentioned about Lee Eaton. It is a fine example of how we as the people really do want to vote for someone we can trust to stand for the Truth and for life. Let’s continue to pray incessantly, educate our neighbors, and raise up a generation in becoming Kingdom workers like Lee and his family.
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I could wish Senator Gramm had been prepared, or had responded in some manner other than with apparent sarcasm to such a question on an issue so near and dear to my Dad’s heart I admire his commitment, and nerve in calling the senator on the matter with either the hope that Mr Graham would share his heartfelt passion, or perhaps a sense that he didn’t. I know my Dad surely appreciated Senator Gramm,s voting record in supporting the rights of the unborn and I truly appreciate the very thoughtful tribute to his legacy
By: Loren Eaton | December 15, 2009 at 9:49 am
I’d never heard this story about by father, but it sounds exactly like something he would do. Thank you for this wonderful tribute. My family appreciates it more than you can know.