James Traficant: “Fanfare to the Common Man'' was played triumphantly at the funeral of the late Commerce Secretary, Ronald H. Brown. His…”

“Fanfare to the Common Man'' was played triumphantly at the funeral of the late Commerce Secretary, Ronald H. Brown. His family could have played some horn tooting type music, in view of the facts that Mr. Brown was truly a successful, high stakes Washington player and an overachiever in many respects. However, they know Ron would not have wanted it any other way. Ron Brown did not see himself as a Democratic power broker or jet setter or trailblazer like we did. He saw himself as a middle-class kid who grew up in Harlem that loved the basic things in life: family, friends, work, and country. He was passionate about each. He was also passionately devoted to ensuring that everyone got an opportunity, a chance to do better. He believed in opportunity so much that he insisted that his Commerce Department staff memorize a one-sentence mission statement. It reads: ``The mission of the Department of Commerce is to ensure economic opportunity for every American.'' We should all agree that this is still a noble cause. Mr. Brown set several honorable examples for people from different walks in life. He encouraged young people to strive and reach for the gold. And indeed, he practiced what he preached, he had several raising stars on that ill-fated plane with him. He encouraged CEO's and business leaders to lend their expertise for the improvement of cities in our country and in foreign lands. On that plane were business leaders from across the country.…”