Senator Byrd with a pocket copy of the Constitution Oh, this is so, so sad - albeit expected.
Here's part of what an article in the Guardian has to say:
Senator Byrd was one of the most dramatic examples we've ever had that people can and do change. He moved away from a hard right position in his youth to that of strong support for civil rights and basic fairness in the public sphere.Senator Robert Byrd, the longest-serving member ever of the US Congress, has died at the age of 92, a spokesman said today.
...
Byrd was an influential politician under a dozen presidents and his death, which follows that of Edward Kennedy in August, means the Senate has lost two of its most illustrious figures.
"I love to serve. I love the Senate. If I could live another 100 years, I'd like to continue in the Senate," Byrd said in a 2006 interview with Reuters.
In a notable moment of his career, Byrd spoke eloquently against the Iraq war, when so many of his colleagues were cowed into submission by the Bush administration. He also warned against a build-up of US troops in Afghanistan.
He will be greatly missed.
~~~
Yes, he will be missed Ellie. Senator Byrd was a rare example of a true "Statesman". His colleagues in the House and Senate would do well to study and emulate his skillfulness, his eloquence and his intelligence. It will likely be a long, long time before we see the likes of him serving in our legislature.
ReplyDeleteannie c