Albert Russell Wynn: “I rise to salute Julian Dixon. I believe he represents the very best of this institution. Not because of fiery rhetoric…”

“I rise to salute Julian Dixon. I believe he represents the very best of this institution. Not because of fiery rhetoric, not because of eloquent words, although he was certainly capable of both, but because of his ability and his skill to work within this institution across the aisle to accomplish things, to get things done for the American people. In my mind that is the true standard of greatness in Congress. Not to make the most noise but to get the most done. I admire particularly the fact that he could stand in the face of popular trends and tell you the real deal. He could tell you the truth. He could speak the truth in the face of overwhelming odds. It did not matter. Julian had something to say. We have all come to respect what he had to say. He was a wonderful man, a kind man, a gentle man, and he was a very wise man. I think that is important. We do not have enough wise men in this institution, people who are thoughtful and reflective and consider the issues and not just popularity or not just their own political future. I admired Julian Dixon greatly. He was one of the Members that I would emulate. But aside from policy, Julian Dixon could be a real friend. When I heard of his passing, the first thing that I thought of was that I did not finish the book because we talked about books on numerous occasions and he had recommended a book to me and I had not finished it. I feel bad about that. But I assure you, Julian, that I will finish the book.…”