Cord Byrd: “Ralph Waldo Emerson, in an oration delivered on August 31, 1867, said: This time, like all times, is a very good one, if…”

“Ralph Waldo Emerson, in an oration delivered on August 31, 1867, said: This time, like all times, is a very good one, if we but know what to do with it. As the Senate considers the proposed constitutional amendment offered by our distinguished colleague from South Carolina, Senator Hollings, it is my fervent hope that each of us takes heed of Emerson's portentous words. We have an opportunity to take an important step in the direction of restoring the people's faith in our ability to rise above partisanship and really do something about our present system of financing Federal campaigns. It is rotten. It is putrid. It stinks. The danger, as always, is that we will 'circle the wagons,' and avoid taking legal action aimed at meaningful reform. Mr. President, as each day dawns, the public is confronted with new and increasingly garish allegations concerning the campaign financing practices that have become a way of life in our Nation. Mr. President, we may be able to fool ourselves, but the time has come for all of us to stop trying to fool the American people.”