Political Quotes

“Finally on our wonderful Senate Historian. An old quote goes: To study history means submitting yourself to chaos, but nevertheless retaining your faith in order and meaning. That is a great quote, very relevant today in this Congress. I don't imagine that the author of that line was thinking about the U.S. Senate, but I cannot think of a more apt description of the duties of the Senate Historian. For the last 8 years, the Senate has been blessed with the wonderful erudite Historian, Betty Koed--only the third Historian ever and the first woman to hold the position. Sadly, this week marks the end of Betty's remarkable tenure in the Senate, which dates back to her earliest days as Assistant Historian in 1998. So she began in the Senate Historical Office the same year I began running for the Senate. I didn't know her at that point, but I am sure glad I have gotten to know her now. It is a great undertaking to chronicle the history of an institution so unique, so rich with significant events, so influential in the landscape of our Nation. But for the last 25 years, Betty has done that with the utmost professionalism, devotion, and a bit of a flair. Every week, she gives us a little history lesson at our Tuesday lunches, and every Member looks forward to hearing what she has come up with, and it is amazing. We learn a lot, and we enjoy it.…”