I loved Robert Byrd. For one thing, he and I shared a love of bluegrass music. I daresay he was the finest fiddler in the history of the Congress, but that's not the real reason that I hold him in such high esteem. He began as a product of a segregated background, but through sheer intense pursuit of knowledge, understanding, and wisdom, he became a person who is a powerful representative for the cause of equal opportunity for everyone. I can think of no one in the history of the Senate who demonstrated a greater capacity for personal growth than did Robert Byrd. He was truly unmatched in his recognition of our obligation to the Constitution and to the institution of the Congress itself. And the greatest thing about him, in addition to his dedication, was, simply put, he had guts; and he wasn't afraid to demonstrate that on many occasions when the Nation needed to see it demonstrated. They really don't make them like him anymore.
Editor's note · Context
The speaker reflects on the legacy and character of Senator Robert Byrd.
Share
More from David Obey
There is one difference between my friends over here who are speechifying against health care reform today and 50 million Americans. The difference is that the roughly 15 Americans over here all have health insurance, and it is largely…
I think to give Khalid Sheikh Mohammed greater rights than we give an American man or woman who serves in the military is wrong.
I also want to congratulate the gentleman from Texas for the superb job he has done in putting this bill together. It is a well-balanced bill, and everyone understands the gentleman's convictions and his passionate desire to defend the…
He tells the truth fearlessly, and he is a patriot in every sense of the word. I will miss David's commitment, his dedication, and his integrity. And though soon no longer to be a colleague, he will always be my friend, and I think I know…





