Kay Bailey Hutchison: “I wish to make a comment about Reverend Lyons, who just opened our Senate session with a prayer, because he is a very…”

“I wish to make a comment about Reverend Lyons, who just opened our Senate session with a prayer, because he is a very special person to me and to the State of Texas and really to all Americans. A little over a year ago, a heinous crime was committed in the small town of Jasper, TX, when James Byrd, Jr., was brutally murdered simply because of his race, dragged to death by three men in a pickup truck. The senseless killing riveted the Nation and many feared the outbreak of civil disorder. But Rev. Kenneth Lyons helped still the troubled waters. He is pastor of Greater New Bethel Baptist Church where James Byrd's family worshipped every Sunday. Pastor Lyons spoke fearlessly to people of all races. He said, "This must have been a divine wake-up call to the consciences of men. You can't fight fire with fire." He urged not vengeance but harmony and peace. Reverend Lyons' wise leadership personified Abraham Lincoln's call to the "better angels of our nature." He helped unite the people of Jasper, TX, in their commitment to equality and justice, to rise above hatred and despair. Millions of Americans watched that small town of Jasper, TX, as it came together because of Reverend Lyons' plea for redemption and healing. Because of his faith and eloquence, we are better people.”