Political Quotes

“Well, Mr. Dingell, there are many aspects of life that I could comment on, for example, friendship. Our families have known each other well over 75 years, going back to the relationship between your father and some of my relatives. It's been a long time. And I could talk about the friendship between yourself and your wife, Debbie, and our family for part of that time. I could also talk about your accomplishments, and there have been so many. I remember when I first came, how we worked to clean up the Rouge River; and without your efforts, I think today it would be more like it was than it now is. We could talk about health care and your historical role. We could talk about broader issues of clean water and clean air. We could talk about your devotion to the auto industry of this country and what would have happened all these years except for your dedication. And there are more accomplishments that I could talk about. But instead, let me just say a few words about what struck me as you spoke a few weeks ago--was it?--as we were celebrating your tenure. And you spoke at some length. The rumor is that Debbie, a few times, said, cut it a bit shorter, but you went on; and the reason I think you did is what I want to speak about. You began to talk about your years here, not in terms of the number of years, but what you have seen about this institution.…”