Byron Dorgan: “Thank you Senator Lott, Senator Daschle, and Mr. Chief Justice for the skill and dignity you have given these…”

“Thank you Senator Lott, Senator Daschle, and Mr. Chief Justice for the skill and dignity you have given these proceedings. I wish every American could see and hear the Senate in these deliberations. There is a kind of majesty to see the Senate chamber filled with Senators listening to each other in debate and deliberation. We are different people, coming from different regions with different philosophies, and that is what creates the unique character of this wonderful institution. I want to tell you briefly today about Teddy Roosevelt. Over a century ago, Teddy Roosevelt was consumed with grief following the death of his wife and mother who died on the same day. He decided to change his life and move out west. When he stepped off the train in the Badlands of North Dakota, he was wearing a cowboy suit hand-tailored from Brooks Brothers, rimless glasses, a Bowie knife with ``Tiffanys'' engraved on the handle, and Sterling silver spurs with his initials on each rowel. The local cowboys thought he was a joke. One unlucky cowboy picked a fight with Teddy in a Badlands saloon in Medora. In minutes, the cowboy was punched senseless by this funny looking easterner. And then Teddy Roosevelt was accepted. Being different, looking different didn't much matter to the folks in the Badlands after that. Here in the Senate we're very different people too. No saloon fights here, though. We engage in verbal battles.…”