RIP, Robert Byrd

US News • Views: 2,626

West Virginia Senator Robert Byrd died this morning at the age of 92. He was the Senate’s longest serving member, and was notorious for belonging to the KKK in his youth — for which he apologized repeatedly, referring to it as the “biggest mistake” of his life.

Rest in peace, Senator Byrd.

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120 comments
1 Sol Berdinowitz  Mon, Jun 28, 2010 10:29:46am

Real conservatives do not apoligize and they stick to their conservative principles

2 Fat Bastard Vegetarian  Mon, Jun 28, 2010 10:30:05am

Rest in peace, Senator Byrd.

Maybe the people of WV'll name something after you.

3 Fat Bastard Vegetarian  Mon, Jun 28, 2010 10:30:37am

re: #1 ralphieboy

Huh?

4 Sol Berdinowitz  Mon, Jun 28, 2010 10:30:59am

How about renaming the State Bird as the State Byrd?

5 Sol Berdinowitz  Mon, Jun 28, 2010 10:31:19am

re: #3 Fat Bastard Vegetarian

Huh?


Forgot the sarc tag


/

there

6 Charles Johnson  Mon, Jun 28, 2010 10:32:08am

I hope everyone realizes that I won't tolerate disrespect in this thread.

If you can't restrain yourself from spewing hatred at someone who just died, go do it at Hot Air or Ace of Spades where they welcome that kind of stuff. Because if you do it here you will lose your account.

7 ReamWorks SKG  Mon, Jun 28, 2010 10:32:15am

He was a fascinating man, and no doubt did a lot of good for the people in his state.

However:

Byrd strongly opposed Clinton's 1993 efforts to allow gays to serve in the military and has also supported efforts to limit gay marriage, in 1996 before with the pending passage of the Defense of Marriage Act he said “The drive for same-sex marriage, is, in effect, an effort to make a sneak attack on society by encoding this aberrant behavior in legal form before society itself has decided it should be legal. Let us defend the oldest institution, the institution of marriage between male and female as set forth in the Holy Bible”.

It's one thing to oppose same-sex marriage (even though I'd disagree). It's another to bring the Holy Bible into an argument for passing of a civil law--and I feel this way despite the fact that I am a religious person.

8 Fat Bastard Vegetarian  Mon, Jun 28, 2010 10:35:16am

re: #5 ralphieboy

Didn't help.

9 What, me worry?  Mon, Jun 28, 2010 10:35:34am

I was never a fan of Byrd. IIR, he didn't like Clinton too well and wanted to impeach him.

Couple things before the fires start going. As to his Dixiecrat status, the majority of those who left the Dixiecrats joined the GOP, not the Democrats. It's important to note because Byrd became a Democrat and spent his life apologizing for his past behavior.

Also, did you know that Bryd was an accomplished fiddler? He even appeared on Hee Haw a few times. Fun Byrd Facts.

10 Political Atheist  Mon, Jun 28, 2010 10:36:15am

Travel well Senator. A tip of my hat to a life of truly loyal service, often in fair opposition to the other side of the aisle. Uh often my side. BTW If you see Tip O'Neil be sure to tell him he is still missed.

11 albusteve  Mon, Jun 28, 2010 10:36:36am

re: #5 ralphieboy

Forgot the sarc tag

/

there

I don't get it

12 Charles Johnson  Mon, Jun 28, 2010 10:37:21am

I wasn't a fan of Byrd either, but I'm not going to let LGF turn into a venue for hatred. We all know his history.

I wish I didn't even have to post that kind of warning, but from long experience I know it is necessary.

13 Unions = Innovation slash slash  Mon, Jun 28, 2010 10:37:32am

Byrd always carried a copy of the consitution with him and read it yearly. RIP.

14 lawhawk  Mon, Jun 28, 2010 10:39:01am

Byrd certainly was doing something right with West Virginians all these years to stay in office as long as he did. The voters there were certainly able to overcome Byrd's earlier involvement with the KKK and his opposition to school integration via busing and Byrd's own views on the matter came around to see the error of his earlier ways.

His lasting legacy will probably be the pork barrel politics in WV - or the lack thereof now that he's no longer there to insure that the money flows as it had.

15 Douchecanoe and Ryan Too  Mon, Jun 28, 2010 10:39:25am

As I said upstairs, I was always in two minds about Byrd. He was stubborn as a mule - difficult for me to reconcile when it was so obvious that he was in the wrong, but it helped him to bully his way into obtaining much-needed money for his impoverished state. I'm no more a fan of pork-barrel spending than any of us here, but it was definitely a service to his beloved state.

16 ReamWorks SKG  Mon, Jun 28, 2010 10:39:36am

re: #9 marjoriemoon

Now that (his fiddle playing) is very interesting. I always thought that, as a sometime-pianist, I should develop a policy of supporting politicians solely on their musical ability.

For example, I'd support both Clinton (Saxophone) and Nixon (Piano). And have you seen Condi Rice playing piano (on YouTube)? She's great.

Now I'm off to see if I can find Byrd fiddling. I may just become a big fan!

(Here's *me* on the piano, doing a Bill Evans transcription of Alice in Wonderland [Link: video.google.com...] )

17 A Man for all Seasons  Mon, Jun 28, 2010 10:41:02am

Byrd began his public career as an unabashed conservative and was a member of the Ku Klux Klan in the 1940s. He renounced his brief KKK tenure as a youthful indiscretion, but in 1964 led a filibuster of the Civil Rights Act.

Over the years he moderated his political philosophy, becoming a close friend of such liberal lions as Sen. Edward Kennedy. He was a strong opponent of the U.S. invasion of Iraq in 2003.

A fiery orator, Constitutional scholar and self-professed "hillbilly," Byrd had been in failing health for several years and often appeared in a wheelchair in the Senate chamber to add to his record of more than 18,000 votes cast.

Elected to an unprecedented ninth consecutive Senate term in 2006, Byrd was not only the longest-serving senator but the longest-serving member in congressional history. Before his Senate service, he served three terms in the House of Representatives.

He was a senator longer than 10 of his colleagues have been alive.

Read more: [Link: www.nydailynews.com...]

Rest in Peace Sir..

18 Charles Johnson  Mon, Jun 28, 2010 10:41:13am

Robert Stacy McCain is dancing on Byrd's grave today, although you'd think he'd be sympathetic to a former KKK member.

19 Summer Seale  Mon, Jun 28, 2010 10:41:29am

CNN's boards have been rife with hate comments against Byrd. And while I disagreed on many issues with Byrd, I do not hate him for having been, and then sincerely and consistently repudiating, a member of the Klan a long time ago.

I posted about it in the overnight thread, but I'll repeat what I posted again.

It is amazing to me how so many Republicans happen to proclaim belief in Redemption as part of their integral philosophy as Christians, and yet spit on anyone they disagree with simply to point out the flaws in the past, even when those flawed people did so much to try to redeem themselves.

Much as I disagreed with Sen. Byrd on many issues, most tremendously the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, I still think that he did more than enough to try to redeem his previous horrible philosophies and membership in the Klan. He is somebody who completely changed his thinking and consistently made amends for those mistakes.

The fact that I, as an anti-theist, can accept that sort of attempt at redemption more than right-wing republican fanatics should speak volumes about the hypocrisy of their fundamental and "cherished" beliefs.

20 albusteve  Mon, Jun 28, 2010 10:41:47am

re: #15 thedopefishlives

As I said upstairs, I was always in two minds about Byrd. He was stubborn as a mule - difficult for me to reconcile when it was so obvious that he was in the wrong, but it helped him to bully his way into obtaining much-needed money for his impoverished state. I'm no more a fan of pork-barrel spending than any of us here, but it was definitely a service to his beloved state.

Bull Dog Byrd...he gets a pass from me...other influential men had pasts that were as dark and worse...it's just another footnote I suppose

21 Charles Johnson  Mon, Jun 28, 2010 10:41:56am

Quote from McCain:

He just became the best kind of Democrat.

Despicable.

22 What, me worry?  Mon, Jun 28, 2010 10:42:23am

re: #12 Charles

I wasn't a fan of Byrd either, but I'm not going to let LGF turn into a venue for hatred. We all know his history.

I wish I didn't even have to post that kind of warning, but from long experience I know it is necessary.

Absolutely. Unfortunately, his name will always be held up against a 60 year old association. He desperately tried to distance himself from it all these years. I don't know what else we can ask of the man.

Speaking of Clinton, I found this which I thought was very gracious.

Statement by President Bill Clinton on the Passing of Senator Robert C. Byrd:

"I am deeply saddened by the passing of my friend Senator Robert Byrd, whose record-breaking service greatly advanced America's pursuit of a more perfect union. Senator Byrd was the most respected authority on the rules of Congress, the Constitution, and the history of the Senate. No American leader has shown more reverence for history, for learning its lessons, and for applying them in representative government. He set an incredible example of lifetime learning - earning his college degree in his thirties and getting his law degree while in Congress, at a time when he already knew more about the law than most lawyers in the country. He wasn't afraid to learn from his mistakes or to change his mind on an issue when he felt he had been wrong. He was justly proud of the federal funds he secured to improve the lives of the people of West Virginia. And he served to the end: I will never forget watching him being wheeled on to the Senate floor to cast his decisive vote for health care reform. I am grateful for his counsel, his unfailing kindness, and his friendship. I will miss him. America will miss him. My thoughts and prayers are with his family and the people of West Virginia."

23 sadhu  Mon, Jun 28, 2010 10:42:54am

fiddlin' montage

24 ReamWorks SKG  Mon, Jun 28, 2010 10:43:06am

It is very interesting to see people who have changed their political philosophy (as I have) over time. It's important that people feel free to do this, and that their shift in opinion is taken at face value. However (as I pointed out in my quote above from a NYTimes Obit) he was hardly a liberal...

25 What, me worry?  Mon, Jun 28, 2010 10:43:46am

re: #16 reuven

Now that (his fiddle playing) is very interesting. I always thought that, as a sometime-pianist, I should develop a policy of supporting politicians solely on their musical ability.

For example, I'd support both Clinton (Saxophone) and Nixon (Piano). And have you seen Condi Rice playing piano (on YouTube)? She's great.

Now I'm off to see if I can find Byrd fiddling. I may just become a big fan!

(Here's *me* on the piano, doing a Bill Evans transcription of Alice in Wonderland [Link: video.google.com...] )

Condi is an amazing pianist, yes!

You ain't so bad yerself!!

26 albusteve  Mon, Jun 28, 2010 10:43:53am

re: #16 reuven

Now that (his fiddle playing) is very interesting. I always thought that, as a sometime-pianist, I should develop a policy of supporting politicians solely on their musical ability.

For example, I'd support both Clinton (Saxophone) and Nixon (Piano). And have you seen Condi Rice playing piano (on YouTube)? She's great.

Now I'm off to see if I can find Byrd fiddling. I may just become a big fan!

(Here's *me* on the piano, doing a Bill Evans transcription of Alice in Wonderland [Link: video.google.com...] )

don't forget bass playin Mike Huckabee

27 dmon  Mon, Jun 28, 2010 10:44:18am

You have to respect someone that allows their views to change as the years go by. A sign of intelligence is the ability to examine your stance on issues, and to change your stance as you realize the faults of your old ones.

28 The Curmudgeon  Mon, Jun 28, 2010 10:44:22am

A mixed record, to be sure. Plenty of time, later, for the details. But one could use his career as a case study for considering the wisdom of term limits.

29 Lidane  Mon, Jun 28, 2010 10:44:47am

re: #10 Rightwingconspirator

Travel well Senator. A tip of my hat to a life of truly loyal service, often in fair opposition to the other side of the aisle.

Seconded.

Rest in peace, Senator Byrd.

30 Gus  Mon, Jun 28, 2010 10:44:53am

re: #21 Charles

Quote from McCain:

Despicable.

They quoted that in Hot Air's Green Room.

Classy bunch.

31 What, me worry?  Mon, Jun 28, 2010 10:45:14am

re: #23 sadhu

Yeaah! good find!

(I love Minnie Pearl, btw :>)

32 abolitionist  Mon, Jun 28, 2010 10:45:17am

re: #9 marjoriemoon

[snip]
Also, did you know that Bryd was an accomplished fiddler? He even appeared on Hee Haw a few times. Fun Byrd Facts.

I read that playing a fiddle was incorporated into one his earliest political campaigns.

33 Summer Seale  Mon, Jun 28, 2010 10:45:26am

The reason that many right-wingers do not repudiate Helms and Thurmond is because they never radically changed their minds. So they point at Byrd instead, who was in the camp of Helms and Thurmond, and they point out his self-repudiated flaw. Because, as we all know, it isn't about hating the racism for them: it's about never, ever, betraying your side.

If Thurmond and Helms had repudiated their core beliefs the way that Byrd did, the Republicans would be treating them the exact same way. Instead, they apologized for them at every turn.

34 Walter L. Newton  Mon, Jun 28, 2010 10:45:35am

re: #24 reuven

It is very interesting to see people who have changed their political philosophy (as I have) over time. It's important that people feel free to do this, and that their shift in opinion is taken at face value. However (as I pointed out in my quote above from a NYTimes Obit) he was hardly a liberal...

Where is your "quote above from a NYTimes Obit?"

35 ReamWorks SKG  Mon, Jun 28, 2010 10:46:18am

re: #34 Walter L. Newton

#7

36 SanFranciscoZionist  Mon, Jun 28, 2010 10:46:23am

re: #2 Fat Bastard Vegetarian

Rest in peace, Senator Byrd.

Maybe the people of WV'll name something after you.

Is there anything left?

//

May his family be comforted.

37 Sol Berdinowitz  Mon, Jun 28, 2010 10:46:55am

re: #27 dmon

You have to respect someone that allows their views to change as the years go by. A sign of intelligence is the ability to examine your stance on issues, and to change your stance as you realize the faults of your old ones.

That view is seen as cowardice and two-facedness by those who insist on sticking to their principles at all costs and despite whatever facts might turn up.

38 SanFranciscoZionist  Mon, Jun 28, 2010 10:47:25am

re: #7 reuven

Let's stay in eulogy mode until post 100 or so.

39 teleskiguy  Mon, Jun 28, 2010 10:47:35am

re: #21 Charles

John McCain just lost a lot of my respect. Yeah Johnny boy, keep talkin' like a good portion of your constituents. That way, liberals will be in power for the next 20 years. Fucking dunce.

Oh, and my condolences to the Byrd family.

40 sattv4u2  Mon, Jun 28, 2010 10:47:38am

re: #34 Walter L. Newton

Where is your "quote above from a NYTimes Obit?"

you have to take his word for it!
/

41 Charles Johnson  Mon, Jun 28, 2010 10:48:04am

re: #39 teleskiguy

John McCain just lost a lot of my respect. Yeah Johnny boy, keep talkin' like a good portion of your constituents. That way, liberals will be in power for the next 20 years. Fucking dunce.

What did he do this time?

42 Sol Berdinowitz  Mon, Jun 28, 2010 10:48:05am

I think we done said enough already. When do we get to discussing the SCOTUS gun decision?

43 Varek Raith  Mon, Jun 28, 2010 10:48:18am

re: #39 teleskiguy

John McCain just lost a lot of my respect. Yeah Johnny boy, keep talkin' like a good portion of your constituents. That way, liberals will be in power for the next 20 years. Fucking dunce.

Oh, and my condolences to the Byrd family.

Wrong McCain.
Charles is referring to Robert Stacy McCain.

44 McSpiff  Mon, Jun 28, 2010 10:48:34am

re: #39 teleskiguy

John McCain just lost a lot of my respect. Yeah Johnny boy, keep talkin' like a good portion of your constituents. That way, liberals will be in power for the next 20 years. Fucking dunce.

Oh, and my condolences to the Byrd family.

Wrong McCain.

45 Walter L. Newton  Mon, Jun 28, 2010 10:48:46am

re: #38 SanFranciscoZionist

Let's stay in eulogy mode until post 100 or so.

Agreed... and what does fuck does Reuven's piano playing have to do with this subject.

And I ask that question as one of the most self-serving, self promoting Lizards on LGF.

46 McSpiff  Mon, Jun 28, 2010 10:48:48am

re: #43 Varek Raith

GET OUT OF MY HEAD

47 sattv4u2  Mon, Jun 28, 2010 10:49:17am

re: #41 Charles

re: #43 Varek Raith

re: #44 McSpiff

if it's repeated enough it WILL be attributed to John McCain!

48 What, me worry?  Mon, Jun 28, 2010 10:49:36am

re: #27 dmon

You have to respect someone that allows their views to change as the years go by. A sign of intelligence is the ability to examine your stance on issues, and to change your stance as you realize the faults of your old ones.

Some people don't let you change. They fight you every step of the way.

Forgiveness can be a difficult virtue.

49 sattv4u2  Mon, Jun 28, 2010 10:49:44am

re: #46 McSpiff

GET OUT OF MY HEAD

that will leave a space for rent, no!?!?!

50 teleskiguy  Mon, Jun 28, 2010 10:49:45am

Oh shit, wrong McCain! My bad lizards! It's easy to confuse the names, it is the same last name, after all! How about JM vs. RSM?

51 Fozzie Bear  Mon, Jun 28, 2010 10:49:59am

teleskiguy

John McCain may be going off the deep end, but he isn't that far gone yet. This is RSM who said that.

52 Varek Raith  Mon, Jun 28, 2010 10:50:24am

re: #47 sattv4u2

re: #43 Varek Raith

re: #44 McSpiff

if it's repeated enough it WILL be attributed to John McCain!

Repeat after me,
Varek Raith is Emperor of the Universe.
.
.
.
.

53 McSpiff  Mon, Jun 28, 2010 10:51:02am

re: #49 sattv4u2

that will leave a space for rent, no!?!?!

Its a bit of a fixer upper...

//

54 SanFranciscoZionist  Mon, Jun 28, 2010 10:51:03am

re: #24 reuven

It is very interesting to see people who have changed their political philosophy (as I have) over time. It's important that people feel free to do this, and that their shift in opinion is taken at face value. However (as I pointed out in my quote above from a NYTimes Obit) he was hardly a liberal...

Lord no. Never intended to be, either.

55 teleskiguy  Mon, Jun 28, 2010 10:51:44am

I officially retract my #39. Though my respect for JM is miniscule due to his cynical VP pick, I still respect the man for his military service.

RSM can go to hell.

OK.

56 Shiplord Kirel  Mon, Jun 28, 2010 10:51:55am

Robert Byrd was a rough character by rights. He was born in 1917 in a coal-mining town, the son of a miner at a time when coal mining was the most dangerous occupation in the world. His mother died in the flu pandemic of 1918 and he was adopted by an aunt and uncle.

The early part of his life corresponded to a free-fall collapse in the economy of the Appalachian states, including West Virginia. By the 1960s, when Byrd was in his first term, "Appalachia" was a by-word for poverty in the United States. I remember how extensively the area was discussed in the debates surrounding LBJ's War on Poverty.
Robert Byrd was one of the leaders who changed this. In his sometimes crass and self-serving way, he lifted his state out of decay and poverty almost by force of will alone.
Like LBJ himself or my great-uncle, Sam Rayburn, Byrd represented a poor and down-trodden constituency. He was hell-bent on doing something about it. His methods and rhetoric often seemed abrasive to those from more refined and prosperous areas of the country. Like Sam and LBJ, he lived to see his efforts pay off as his constituents were lifted out of poverty. If he was a little less than modest in taking credit for it, so what?

57 ReamWorks SKG  Mon, Jun 28, 2010 10:52:10am

re: #45 Walter L. Newton

Ok! No more piano (or other musical instrument) playing on non-music threads.

I was just trying to follow Charles' request to be respectful of Senator Byrd, using the "If you can't say anything nice...." rule.

58 [deleted]  Mon, Jun 28, 2010 10:52:47am
59 Walter L. Newton  Mon, Jun 28, 2010 10:53:15am

re: #57 reuven

Ok! No more piano (or other musical instrument) playing on non-music threads.

I was just trying to follow Charles' request to be respectful of Senator Byrd, using the "If you can't say anything nice..." rule.

I never heard of that rule... "If you can't say anything nice, talk about your piano playing." :)

60 albusteve  Mon, Jun 28, 2010 10:53:16am

Byrd on gun control...he didn't like guns so much, but some interesting stuff in here

[Link: www.ontheissues.org...]

61 What, me worry?  Mon, Jun 28, 2010 10:53:39am

re: #57 reuven

Ok! No more piano (or other musical instrument) playing on non-music threads.

I was just trying to follow Charles' request to be respectful of Senator Byrd, using the "If you can't say anything nice..." rule.

I liked your piano playing :)

62 HappyWarrior  Mon, Jun 28, 2010 10:53:56am

It's amazing how long he was in Congress. He first got elected the year Eisenhower was elected and here we are in the presidency of Obama. I didn't agree with him on many issues from the left but I appreciate that he admitted his past membership was wrong. And RSM shows again why he's a creep.

63 albusteve  Mon, Jun 28, 2010 10:55:27am

I'm jealous of piano and guitar plays

64 Charles Johnson  Mon, Jun 28, 2010 10:55:38am

I'd like to urge people again who have Twitter accounts, to retweet those Robert Stacy McCain posts from the weekend, because there's much more traffic on weekdays and a lot of people will have missed them.

If you do retweet, be sure to add "#tcot #tlot #p2" to your post, so it goes to the main political lists as well.

65 McSpiff  Mon, Jun 28, 2010 10:56:07am

I respect anyone who does a job that long. Talk about commitment...

66 Gus  Mon, Jun 28, 2010 10:56:48am

Donald Douglas is spamming #LGF.

67 ReamWorks SKG  Mon, Jun 28, 2010 10:57:41am

re: #63 albusteve

It's really very easy. There's no secret: it's just the length of time you were able to park your rear-end on a piano bench before, say, the age of 21.

10,000 hours or so would make a proficient piano player out of anyone. There's no such thing as "talent"

However, if you have any desire to start as an adult, I'd say "don't bother".

68 wrenchwench  Mon, Jun 28, 2010 10:57:54am

re: #66 Gus 802

Donald Douglas is spamming #LGF.

He seems a bit upset.

69 SanFranciscoZionist  Mon, Jun 28, 2010 10:58:05am

re: #27 dmon

You have to respect someone that allows their views to change as the years go by. A sign of intelligence is the ability to examine your stance on issues, and to change your stance as you realize the faults of your old ones.

That whole generation of Southern politicians (and others), were men who went from seeing the racism of their childhoods and young adulthoods exalted and enshrined in law to seeing it become a dark and contemptible memory in the United States.

Byrd was born in an era when postcards with photographs of lynchings were still circulated, and a black man could die for looking at a white woman on the street. He died after seeing his party successfully run a black man, the son of a white woman from Kansas for President of the United States.

Some of the men from that generation moved on, and learned more, and some struggled to restore the old order until the day they died. As the last of them pass away, let's take a moment to consider the changes their lives saw in this country.

70 SanFranciscoZionist  Mon, Jun 28, 2010 10:58:42am

re: #32 abolitionist

I read that playing a fiddle was incorporated into one his earliest political campaigns.

I suspect that West Virginians are more impressed by a good hand on the fiddle than a lot of political talk.

71 Gus  Mon, Jun 28, 2010 10:59:07am

re: #68 wrenchwench

He seems a bit upset.

6 so far. Guess he has nothing else to do this morning.

72 Shiplord Kirel  Mon, Jun 28, 2010 10:59:38am

re: #65 McSpiff

I respect anyone who does a job that long. Talk about commitment...

Something just occurred to me along that line. I was a little boy when I knew Sam Rayburn (who died in 1961) and I'm an old man now. Robert Byrd also knew him, but Byrd was already a member of Congress at the time.

73 McSpiff  Mon, Jun 28, 2010 10:59:41am

re: #70 SanFranciscoZionist

I suspect that West Virginians are more impressed by a good hand on the fiddle than a lot of political talk.

Anti-southerner!11!1

74 SanFranciscoZionist  Mon, Jun 28, 2010 11:00:13am

re: #43 Varek Raith

Wrong McCain.
Charles is referring to Robert Stacy McCain.

Drives me crazy. I'm always halfway through screaming "John McCain done WHAAAT?" and then I realize it's R.S., and to be expected.

75 albusteve  Mon, Jun 28, 2010 11:00:20am

re: #67 reuven

It's really very easy. There's no secret: it's just the length of time you were able to park your rear-end on a piano bench before, say, the age of 21.

10,000 hours or so would make a proficient piano player out of anyone. There's no such thing as "talent"

However, if you have any desire to start as an adult, I'd say "don't bother".

my boss up in the front house is a classical pianist that plays all sorts of stuff and composes...he's quite renowned in his circle

76 ReamWorks SKG  Mon, Jun 28, 2010 11:00:44am

Here he is fiddling (briefly) on a tribute reel (we call them "death reels" in The Business, but I'll be more sensitive here.)

And speaking of "The Business" I need to work! I have meetings starting at 11:00am. See y'all later.

77 Walter L. Newton  Mon, Jun 28, 2010 11:00:56am

re: #72 Shiplord Kirel

Something just occurred to me along that line. I was a little boy when I knew Sam Rayburn (who died in 1961) and I'm an old man now. Robert Byrd also knew him, but Byrd was already a member of Congress at the time.

I'm sure he meant well by his 50 plus long years of service in Washington. But in my opinion he epitomized a big part of what is wrong with our government, the professional politician with many years in Washington.

78 garhighway  Mon, Jun 28, 2010 11:01:00am

re: #69 SanFranciscoZionist

That whole generation of Southern politicians (and others), were men who went from seeing the racism of their childhoods and young adulthoods exalted and enshrined in law to seeing it become a dark and contemptible memory in the United States.

Byrd was born in an era when postcards with photographs of lynchings were still circulated, and a black man could die for looking at a white woman on the street. He died after seeing his party successfully run a black man, the son of a white woman from Kansas for President of the United States.

Some of the men from that generation moved on, and learned more, and some struggled to restore the old order until the day they died. As the last of them pass away, let's take a moment to consider the changes their lives saw in this country.

Would that racism died with them.

79 McSpiff  Mon, Jun 28, 2010 11:01:36am

re: #72 Shiplord Kirel

Something just occurred to me along that line. I was a little boy when I knew Sam Rayburn (who died in 1961) and I'm an old man now. Robert Byrd also knew him, but Byrd was already a member of Congress at the time.

I'm 22. I can't even imagine what the average American life was like when he got elected. My father was 2. I doubt he remembers what daily live was like then. I'd need to ask my grandfather. It really is incredible.

80 lawhawk  Mon, Jun 28, 2010 11:01:59am

In a somewhat related item, Sen Frank Lautenberg of NJ is now the oldest member of the US Senate, and he's just announced that his doctors have said that he's been cured of the B cell lymphoma he was diagnosed with last year.

81 SanFranciscoZionist  Mon, Jun 28, 2010 11:03:13am

re: #73 McSpiff

Anti-southerner!11!1

No, I just know my Scots-Irish folks.

82 Kragar  Mon, Jun 28, 2010 11:03:44am

So, who takes over his seat?

83 McSpiff  Mon, Jun 28, 2010 11:03:47am

re: #81 SanFranciscoZionist

No, I just know my Scots-Irish folks.

And you know I'm a fan SFZ ;-)

84 What, me worry?  Mon, Jun 28, 2010 11:04:06am

re: #67 reuven

It's really very easy. There's no secret: it's just the length of time you were able to park your rear-end on a piano bench before, say, the age of 21.

10,000 hours or so would make a proficient piano player out of anyone. There's no such thing as "talent"

However, if you have any desire to start as an adult, I'd say "don't bother".

I think there is "talent". Some people are really born to do certain things.

We're a musical family, but none of us are accomplished. I played the violin and guitar, mother and aunt played the piano. My brother the guitar, my cousins the trumpet and violin. We used to all play together when we were kids and it was great fun.

85 Charles Johnson  Mon, Jun 28, 2010 11:04:26am

re: #66 Gus 802

Donald Douglas is spamming #LGF.

Yeah, it's a textbook example of the intellectual dishonesty of right wing blogs.

Last night he posted this:

@rsmccain What is up with that idiot Charles Johnson? Does he even have commenters any more? #Bloggers #JumpTheShark #SGP #p2

To which I replied:

Thousands. 2,250 comments so far today. How about you?

[...]

@AmPowerBlog Let's take a look at your front page: 0 comments, 0 comments, 0 comments, etc. Way to go! #Bloggers #JumpTheShark #SGP #p2

[...]

@AmPowerBlog In the last half hour, another 90 comments were posted at LGF. How about you? Oh, never mind. I see it's still zero.

So, of course, now he tries to claim that the number of comments is meaningless, and digs up some bogus rankings from Wikio.com (which is a completely worthless, biased measure) and claims that's what he really meant.

For the record, I could not care less about any "rankings." I don't write anything at LGF to increase traffic, and I never have. These idiots think they're going to rob me of the will to live, but I just laugh at their stupidity.

86 jamesfirecat  Mon, Jun 28, 2010 11:04:42am

He'll be missed and I hope that for better or worse he was truly able to rise above the mistakes of his past.

(Sorry for being out everyone went on a yearly family vacation on Wendsday and only just got back, I'm sure you all missed me ;) )

87 McSpiff  Mon, Jun 28, 2010 11:07:49am

re: #85 Charles

I've had to be reminded a few times how well read this blog is... its easy to forgot its not just "the regulars" here...

88 _RememberTonyC  Mon, Jun 28, 2010 11:10:22am

if you make mistakes as a young man (or woman) and do your best to make amends and live a good life, that is a good example to set.

89 Gus  Mon, Jun 28, 2010 11:10:28am

re: #85 Charles

I was looking at that. Never heard of Wikio. I did see this:

The Wikio site is blacklisted for Wikimedia use since 20 September 2008 based on COIBot evaluation.

I was wondering if that was a subscription based ranking site.

90 wrenchwench  Mon, Jun 28, 2010 11:11:50am

re: #85 Charles

So, of course, now he tries to claim that the number of comments is meaningless, and digs up some bogus rankings from Wikio.com (which is a completely worthless, biased measure) and claims that's what he really meant.

For the record, I could not care less about any "rankings." I don't write anything at LGF to increase traffic, and I never have. These idiots think they're going to rob me of the will to live, but I just laugh at their stupidity.

Hawkins resorted to numbers as well, to attempt to show he's better than Frum.

91 Irenicum  Mon, Jun 28, 2010 11:13:03am

My family is originally from WV so I'm pretty sympathetic to hillbillies. I agreed with Byrd on some issues, disagreed with him on others. Rest in peace Senator Byrd, your service to your state and your country will be remembered by everyone who loves our country.

92 Gus  Mon, Jun 28, 2010 11:13:09am

re: #90 wrenchwench

Hawkins resorted to numbers as well, to attempt to show he's better than Frum.

Who's Hawkins?

93 sffilk  Mon, Jun 28, 2010 11:13:38am

I didn't know he was a fiddle player. It sounds like he was a decent fiddler.

94 A Man for all Seasons  Mon, Jun 28, 2010 11:13:58am

re: #88 _RememberTonyC

if you make mistakes as a young man (or woman) and do your best to make amends and live a good life, that is a good example to set.

I think It's important to grow every day in Mind, Soul and Spirit...
After all, a rut is nothing more than a grave with each end dug out..

95 wrenchwench  Mon, Jun 28, 2010 11:14:10am

re: #92 Gus 802

Who's Hawkins?

From RightWingNews, specifically from iceweasel's Page this morning: [Link: webcache.googleusercontent.com...]

96 gamark  Mon, Jun 28, 2010 11:14:14am

re: #43 Varek Raith

I made the same mistake. went looking for the source of the quote, then went duh! when I realized who Charles was talking about.

97 Ericus58  Mon, Jun 28, 2010 11:14:14am

re: #69 SanFranciscoZionist

That whole generation of Southern politicians (and others), were men who went from seeing the racism of their childhoods and young adulthoods exalted and enshrined in law to seeing it become a dark and contemptible memory in the United States.

Byrd was born in an era when postcards with photographs of lynchings were still circulated, and a black man could die for looking at a white woman on the street. He died after seeing his party successfully run a black man, the son of a white woman from Kansas for President of the United States.

Some of the men from that generation moved on, and learned more, and some struggled to restore the old order until the day they died. As the last of them pass away, let's take a moment to consider the changes their lives saw in this country.

I sooo respect this post, SFZ.
My Mother's side of the family is coal miners, scrabble-farmers. My Grandfather was in the KKK.
But it is possible for individuals to change. Grand Pappy did.
I can give the late Senator Byrd the same benefit.

98 Charles Johnson  Mon, Jun 28, 2010 11:14:31am

re: #89 Gus 802

I was looking at that. Never heard of Wikio. I did see this:

The Wikio site is blacklisted for Wikimedia use since 20 September 2008 based on COIBot evaluation.

I was wondering if that was a subscription based ranking site.

Yep. Conflict of interest. I never looked into Wikio, but that doesn't surprise me at all.

99 Aceofwhat?  Mon, Jun 28, 2010 11:14:34am

RIP, Senator Byrd. Would that more Americans had looked as deeply into their souls as you did, and had dealt so nobly with what they found.

100 Aceofwhat?  Mon, Jun 28, 2010 11:14:56am

re: #86 jamesfirecat

He'll be missed and I hope that for better or worse he was truly able to rise above the mistakes of his past.

(Sorry for being out everyone went on a yearly family vacation on Wendsday and only just got back, I'm sure you all missed me ;) )

remind me who you are again/

101 Gus  Mon, Jun 28, 2010 11:15:12am

re: #95 wrenchwench

From RightWingNews, specifically from iceweasel's Page this morning: [Link: webcache.googleusercontent.com...]

Thanks! Never heard of him. Some loser wingnut. Most people have heard of David Frum.

102 Targetpractice  Mon, Jun 28, 2010 11:18:49am

I know I'm a bit late, but I offer my condolences to the Byrd family and wishes of strength and peace in their time of loss. I understand their pain, having lost two family members myself in recent years, and can only hope that they find some comfort in having enjoyed his company for so long.

As for the former Senator, may he go to the great beyond knowing he has left his mark upon this world, for better or worse, and that the memories of his deeds will last for generations to come.

103 Aceofwhat?  Mon, Jun 28, 2010 11:19:53am

re: #67 reuven

It's really very easy. There's no secret: it's just the length of time you were able to park your rear-end on a piano bench before, say, the age of 21.

10,000 hours or so would make a proficient piano player out of anyone. There's no such thing as "talent".

horse poopy. Proficient ≠ exceptional. Do you really think if you and I spend 1000 hours per activity across 10 activities, that we will be equally skilled in each activity??

104 abolitionist  Mon, Jun 28, 2010 11:27:43am
ENTERING POLITICS AT THE STATE LEVEL
Robert C. Byrd, the only West Virginian to serve in both houses of the state legislature and both houses of the United States Congress, became interested in state government while he was working in Crab Orchard. In 1946 he decided to run for the West Virginia House of Delegates. In the campaign, the political newcomer faced fierce competition from twelve other people, including three incumbents.

Robert had no previous political experience, but he learned a great deal in his very first political campaign. Besides being a newcomer to politics, he still could not drive an automobile. Therefore, he had to rely on a friend to drive him to meetings as well as around the county so he could meet the voters. Another disadvantage was that he had no name recognition. Since he was an unknown in political circles, he soon realized that he needed a gimmick to attract attention and make himself recognizable. His gimmick
became his violin. Byrd took the violin everywhere and at meetings offered to play a couple of tunes before giving his speech. The gimmick worked! He became so well known that when the results of the election came in Byrd led the ticket.

From ROBERT C. BYRD - EARLY LIFE (pdf file)

105 webevintage  Mon, Jun 28, 2010 11:31:23am

I think Bryd once said:
"One man's pork is another man's infrastructure."

RIP

106 Fozzie Bear  Mon, Jun 28, 2010 11:37:32am

re: #105 webevintage

I think Bryd once said:
"One man's pork is another man's infrastructure."

RIP

And that really is the truth. There's pork as in the infamous "bridge to nowhere", and there's necessary brick-and-mortar development, and everything in between.

Pork is part of the process, for both good and ill.

107 darthstar  Mon, Jun 28, 2010 11:37:35am

Rest in peace, Senator. You will be missed.

108 tradewind  Mon, Jun 28, 2010 11:40:14am

re: #107 darthstar
Second to the RIP part, but in re being missed..... how long had it been since Byrd had actually cast a vote on the Senate floor? I'm glad to hear that Senator Lautenberg is recovering, but I wonder if there should be some sort of procedure whereby a senator who is actually not serving steps down. This vowing to be carried out feet first thing is not necessarily in the best interest of the state one represents.

109 darthstar  Mon, Jun 28, 2010 11:44:25am

re: #108 tradewind

Second to the RIP part, but in re being missed... how long had it been since Byrd had actually cast a vote on the Senate floor? I'm glad to hear that Senator Lautenberg is recovering, but I wonder if there should be some sort of procedure whereby a senator who is actually not serving steps down. This vowing to be carried out feet first thing is not necessarily in the best interest of the state one represents.

Health Care Reform...just this year. Yes, he was old and not well for a long time, but he was there when he was needed.

110 abolitionist  Mon, Jun 28, 2010 11:47:27am

More from EARLY LIFE:

EMERGING ONTO THE NATIONAL SCENE
The Congressional election of 1952 proved to be one of the most trying times Robert Byrd would ever know. He was pressured to take sides in the state’s gubernatorial race, but he knew that to do so would hinder his chances to be elected to Congress. Because he refused to take sides, he was not invited to political gatherings. Focused and determined to win the election, Byrd did not let the lack of an invitation stop him from attending rallies. He would just show up, usually with his violin in hand. At one such
gathering, after the meeting was adjourned without his being allowed to speak, Byrd and two friends began to play some favorite musical selections—songs like “Turkey in the Straw” and “Cripple Creek.” Soon, a large number of people began to make their way back into the meeting room. Robert and his friends continued to play and, when a crowd was assembled, he gave his speech.

The second thing that made the campaign of 1952 so difficult was the resurgence of a story of Byrd’s past membership in the Ku Klux Klan. He had joined the Klan in the early 1940s because of its stand against Communism, a doctrine that he firmly opposed. The story first surfaced before the primary election and, in characteristic style, Byrd faced the issue head on. He addressed the Klan issue honestly, openly acknowledged his involvement and the reasons for it. He admitted he had made a mistake. The voters appreciated his honesty and he won his party’s nomination by a large margin. During the campaign before the general election, the story resurfaced. This time a letter that Byrd had written to the Imperial Wizard of the Klan, asking that the organization be revived in West Virginia, was made public. He had written this letter in 1946, later than the period of time he acknowledged association with the Klan. Governor Okey Patterson asked Robert to withdraw from the race, but he refused. Again, he accepted the challenge, confronted the issue head on and won the election. His willingness to face issues in a straightforward manner would become a pattern throughout his political career. Byrd resigned from the West Virginia Senate and went to washington, D.C. to begin his illustrative service at the national level.

RIP, Senator Byrd

111 Fat Bastard Vegetarian  Mon, Jun 28, 2010 11:48:27am

re: #52 Varek Raith


Varek Raith is Emperor of the Universe.

There. Now, go fix the damn oil spill in the Gulf.

112 Stuart Leviton  Mon, Jun 28, 2010 11:53:54am

Coming from poverty, his mother dying before his first birthday, and his father sending him away to be raised by his Aunt and Uncle materially impoverished though they were, Robert Byrd is impressive with what he made of his life.

Known in the Senate for oratory powers and a classical knowledge, may we all be inspired to praise life as did Robert Byrd.

113 darthstar  Mon, Jun 28, 2010 11:54:13am

re: #111 Fat Bastard Vegetarian

There. Now, go fix the damn oil spill in the Gulf.

Yesterday was the Republican Prayer Vigil for the Gulf Oil spill (Sarah Palin was included in this for the attention it got her). So it should be all gone now. No more oil leaking at all. Unless god was watching the Argentina-Mexico game (that many Catholics praying at the same time for their respective team sucks up a lot of bandwidth).

114 celticdragon  Mon, Jun 28, 2010 11:59:47am

re: #7 reuven

He was a product of the mores of his times. Leave it at that.

re: #6 Charles

I hope everyone realizes that I won't tolerate disrespect in this thread.

If you can't restrain yourself from spewing hatred at someone who just died, go do it at Hot Air or Ace of Spades where they welcome that kind of stuff. Because if you do it here you will lose your account.

I note that Glen Reynolds at Instapundit could not restrain himself from the "Pork Busters" schtick. As far as whatever RS McCain says, the man is beneath notice, or he should be.

115 Sionainn  Mon, Jun 28, 2010 12:01:29pm

re: #108 tradewind

Second to the RIP part, but in re being missed... how long had it been since Byrd had actually cast a vote on the Senate floor?

Looks like the last time he voted was on June 10, 2010, and some others in May. [Link: www.votesmart.org...]

116 teleskiguy  Mon, Jun 28, 2010 12:11:42pm

Saw this on Sully's Atlantic site. Worth posting here, I think. Robert Byrd on the day President Bush announced the invasion of Iraq, March 2003.


117 tnguitarist  Mon, Jun 28, 2010 12:29:02pm

RIP, Senator Byrd. Apologizing is a hard thing to do and not many people have that trait. Apologizing for something as heinous as being a member of that organization must have been supremely difficult. People of the world would do well to learn from your example. We can change. We are allowed to change. It shows great strength of character to be able to change. Change isn't always easy or instant, but it is almost always necessary.

118 oriana fan  Mon, Jun 28, 2010 2:09:15pm

RIP...although I never understood his unvarnished antipathy towards Israel and those who support her. Given the political environment, it will be interesting to see who is appointed to replace him.

119 CJMAC  Mon, Jun 28, 2010 2:27:13pm

re: #19 Summer

Within any religion there are those who claim the label, but don't practice the teachings of that faith. Christianity is certainly no exception.

But for those who live their Christian faith, the need for personal redemption is obvious. That applies equally to all of mankind, whether we agree with their politics or not.

That's not to say that any of us can live our Christian faith perfectly. Which brings us right back to the need for redemption.

120 bikenski  Tue, Jun 29, 2010 4:30:53pm

There's a story in the family about Bob Byrd playing fiddle with my great aunts and uncles way back when. They've all pased on, but I'm betting it was back in the early '50s.
He brought a lot of money to WV, and public works projects have their place. But I sometimes think the state got very used to his ability to steer money back to the hollers. It will be interesting to see how the pork will flow now.

RIP Senator Byrd
Montani Semper Liberi


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