You have to hand it to the hillbillies...they're none too interested in change....

Hillbillies are an honest bunch. Once they're bought, they stay bought. Ask Rockefeller.

They're "hillbillies" when they vote Democratic. They're "patriotic and enlightened right-thinking Amuricans" when they vote GOP.
~AmericaLast

Cheers Robert Byrd.

Can someone wake him up and tell him he can go the fuck home now?

Can someone wake him up and tell him he can go the fuck home now?
#5 | Posted by American1st | Flag: Repeating Last Phrase He Heard Before Blacking Out

Thanks to Robert Byrd for this:

I believe in this beautiful country. I have studied its roots and gloried in the wisdom of its magnificent Constitution. I have marveled at the wisdom of its founders and framers. Generation after generation of Americans has understood the lofty ideals that underlie our great Republic. I have been inspired by the story of their sacrifice and their strength.

But, today I weep for my country. I have watched the events of recent months with a heavy, heavy heart. No more is the image of America one of strong, yet benevolent peacekeeper. The image of America has changed. Around the globe, our friends mistrust us, our word is disputed, our intentions are questioned.

Instead of reasoning with those with whom we disagree, we demand obedience or threaten recrimination. Instead of isolating Saddam Hussein, we seem to have isolated ourselves. We proclaim a new doctrine of preemption which is understood by few and feared by many. We say that the United States has the right to turn its firepower on any corner of the globe which might be suspect in the war on terrorism. We assert that right without the sanction of any international body. As a result, the world has become a much more dangerous place.

We flaunt our superpower status with arrogance. We treat UN Security Council members like ingrates who offend our princely dignity by lifting their heads from the carpet. Valuable alliances are split.

After war has ended, the United States will have to rebuild much more than the country of Iraq. We will have to rebuild America's image around the globe.

The case this Administration tries to make to justify its fixation with war is tainted by charges of falsified documents and circumstantial evidence. We cannot convince the world of the necessity of this war for one simple reason. This is a war of choice.

There is no credible information to connect Saddam Hussein to 9/11. The twin towers fell because a world-wide terrorist group, Al Qaeda, with cells in over 60 nations, struck at our wealth and our influence by turning our own planes into missiles, one of which would likely have slammed into the dome of this beautiful Capitol except for the brave sacrifice of the passengers on board.

The brutality seen on September 11th and in other terrorist attacks we have witnessed around the globe are the violent and desperate efforts by extremists to stop the daily encroachment of western values upon their cultures. That is what we fight. It is a force not confined to borders. It is a shadowy entity with many faces, many names, and many addresses.

But, this Administration has directed all of the anger, fear, and grief which emerged from the ashes of the twin towers and the twisted metal of the Pentagon towards a tangible villain, one we can see and hate and attack. And villain he is. But, he is the wrong villain. And this is the wrong war. If we attack Saddam Hussein, we will probably drive him from power. But, the zeal of our friends to assist our global war on terrorism may have already taken flight.

The general unease surrounding this war is not just due to "orange alert." There is a pervasive sense of rush and risk and too many questions unanswered. How long will we be in Iraq? What will be the cost? What is the ultimate mission? How great is the danger at home?

A pall has fallen over the Senate Chamber. We avoid our solemn duty to debate the one topic on the minds of all Americans, even while scores of thousands of our sons and daughters faithfully do their duty in Iraq.

What is happening to this country? When did we become a nation which ignores and berates our friends? When did we decide to risk undermining international order by adopting a radical and doctrinaire approach to using our awesome military might? How can we abandon diplomatic efforts when the turmoil in the world cries out for diplomacy?

Why can this President not seem to see that America's true power lies not in its will to intimidate, but in its ability to inspire?

War appears inevitable. But, I continue to hope that the cloud will lift. Perhaps Saddam will yet turn tail and run. Perhaps reason will somehow still prevail. I along with millions of Americans will pray for the safety of our troops, for the innocent civilians in Iraq, and for the security of our homeland. May God continue to bless the United States of America in the troubled days ahead, and may we somehow recapture the vision which for the present eludes us.

I shall never fight in the armed forces with a Negro by my side... Rather I should die a thousand times, and see Old Glory trampled in the dirt never to rise again, than to see this beloved land of ours become degraded by race mongrels, a throwback to the blackest specimen from the wilds. "

--Robert C. Byrd
Doc's Hero

Actually, Robert Byrd's come a long way away from that statement in the 64 years since he made it. So, you see, Crocky, progress is possible. And if you live long enough -- who knows? -- even someone like you may exhibit some of its saltuary effects.

Robert Byrd...poster child for term limits.

Actually, Robert Byrd's come a long way away from that statement in the 64 years since he made it.

Translation: Byrd's figured out how to lie about his true feeelings more effectively.

I live in WV, Doc, I know a bunch of hillbillies when I see them.

#10 - Well said, Doc. People can change. George Wallace was about as wacked-out racist as they get, and even he changed his ways. Klan membership does taint one's resume, it is true, but whether he's simply hiding his feelings or truly does think differently now, he certainly doesn't vote in ways that reflect a racist mindset.

Still, I do think maybe the gentleman from West Virginia should retire.

Absolutely, CBOB.

War appears inevitable. But, I continue to hope that the cloud will lift. Perhaps Saddam will yet turn tail and run. Perhaps reason will somehow still prevail. I along with millions of Americans will pray for the safety of our troops, for the innocent civilians in Iraq, and for the security of our homeland. May God continue to bless the United States of America in the troubled days ahead, and may we somehow recapture the vision which for the present eludes us.

Robert Byrd
Speech delivered on the floor of the US Senate
March 19, 2003

TY fer that.

Conscience of the Senate that day was Sen Byrd.

And now he's officially the longest serving member of Congress?

Gratz, Mr. Byrd.

In many ways, Robert Byrd's personal evolution from avowed racist to one who disavows all forms of inequality is the story of American moral evolution.

And instead of acknowledging this fact honestly the resident rtards have a tendency to hold Byrd up as the prime example in their "Why the Dems are the Real Racist party" (tm) talking point.

Such FAIL.

You'd think so-called Christians wouldn't openly scoff at the notions of redemption and forgiveness but, apparently, not so much.

Go figure.

Be Well.

Still, I do think maybe the gentleman from West Virginia should retire.

Agreed.

Dude's werked long enuff.

Needs a rest.

Be Well.

Well, everybody's talking about the bird!
A-well-a bird, bird, b-bird's the word

Congrats Bob,
It only took you 57 years to name every building/bridge/observatory etc in the state after yourself! Only a few more years before you donk off...better hurry up and rename your state "West Byrdinia"...'cause the embalmer is waiting in the wings!

-Translation: Byrd's figured out how to lie about his true feeelings more effectively.

Sees into people's hearts, much like with GW and Putin.

Congrats to Robert Byrd for his life-long love of his country and his home state.

He was important to the Senate not only for his legislative contributions, but for his constant reminders to other Senators of their historic duties and responsibilities.

It was quite interesting some years ago to watch many of these often cynical and self-serving politicians actually go and sit in the Senate and learn from Sen Byrd as he spent hours reading aloud important and relevant passages of Roman and other histories in an attempt to make other Sens aware of the importance of the work they do, and the importance of learning from history so as not to repeat it's mistakes.

Robert Byrd.

Longest serving former KKK recruiter to ever hold high office outside the Klan.

You know spud I would be n utter agreement with you on this:
"In many ways, Robert Byrd's personal evolution from avowed racist to one who disavows all forms of inequality is the story of American moral evolution."

but it seems like so much double speak when we can't let go of the wrongs commit by anyone without a "D" behind their name and, only for that reason. The "once a moral hypocrite, always a moral hypocrite" tag is just as fitting for a KKK recruiter who now says he's sorry and learned the error of his ways, as it is for a guy who espouses "family values" while cheating on his wife and saying the same thing. This man proves only ONE thing to me: We need Term Limits on ALL federal GOV positions.

"In a letter to Obama on Wednesday, Byrd, a Democrat, said that the czar system "can threaten the Constitutional system of checks and balances," Politico reported. Byrd added that oversight of federal agencies is the responsibility of officials approved by the Senate." Feb 25th 2009 Politico

I'd gladly trade a bucketful of broken-down hacks like Tom Coburn, Arlen Specter, Sam Brownback, Mitch McConnell, Orin Hatch, Daniel Inouye, John McCain, Christopher Dodd, Pat Roberts, Christopher Bond, Ben Nelson, Saxby Chambliss, Joe Lieberman, Lamar Alexnader, David Vitter, Jeff Sessions, Max Baucus, Blanche Lincoln, John Cornyn, Evan Bayh, Jim DeMint, Chuck Grassley for the accumulated knowledge Byrd's acquired during his time in the Senate. Still, time for him to call it a day.

I can understand why all the negros...
#21 | Posted by Sniper

You couldn't tell shit from Shinola, Snoops.

byrd is an example of someone who can be frighteningly right while being at the same time terribly wrong...

a one man microcosm of the average american politician. an american politician can say the right things, but the garrulous actions do not match the articulate rhetoric.

Robert C. Byrd Academic and Technology Center
Robert C. Byrd addition to the lodge at Oglebay Park, Wheeling
Byrd Aerospace Technology Center
Robert C. Byrd Bridge between Huntington and Chesapeake, Ohio
Robert C. Byrd Cancer Research Center
Robert C. Byrd Clinical Addition to the veteran's hospital in Huntington
Robert C. Byrd Community Center, Pine Grove
Robert C. Byrd Community Center in the naval station, Sugar Grove
Robert C. Byrd Drive, from Beckley to Sophia (Byrd's hometown)
Robert C. Byrd Expressway, U.S. 22 near Weirton
Robert C. Byrd Federal Building
Robert C. Byrd Federal Courthouse
Robert C. Byrd Freeway
Robert C. Byrd Green Bank Telescope
Robert C. Byrd Hardwood Technologies Center, near Princeton
Robert C. Byrd Health Sciences Center of West Virginia
Robert C. Byrd High school in Bridgeport
Robert C. Byrd Highway
Robert C. Byrd Hilltop Office Complex, Mineral County
Robert C. Byrd Honors Scholarships
Robert C. Byrd Industrial Park, Hardy County
Robert C. Byrd Institute in Charleston
Robert C. Byrd Institute for Advanced Flexible Manufacturing
Robert C. Byrd Library and Robert C. Byrd Learning Resource Center
Robert C. Byrd Life Long Learning Center
Robert C. Byrd Locks and Dam
Robert C. Byrd National Technology Transfer Center
Robert C. Byrd Rural Health Center
Robert C. Byrd Scholastic Recognition Award
Byrd Science Center, Shepherd University
Robert C. Byrd Technology Center at Alderson-Broaddus College
Robert C. Byrd United Technical Center
Robert C. Byrd Visitor Center at Harpers Ferry National Historic Park

Amazing how forgiving libbies tend to be when the person in question is a Dem.

But whatever. Jefferson would be surprised to have learned that 240 years on, we have royalty in America: once a Dem is elected, he's there for life. And the richer, the better.

Everybody knows about the Byrd

Byrd, Byrd, Byrd, the Byrd is a word

la de da de dah

A Southern man with enough political capital to speak truth to BushCo

Robert Byrd
Speech delivered on the floor of the US Senate
March 19, 2003
www.commondreams.org

#8 | Posted by Doc_Sarvis at 2009-11-18 07:55 AM | Reply | Flag: Flag: (Choose)
FunnyNewsworthyOffensiveAbusiv
e

I shall never fight in the armed forces with a Negro by my side... Rather I should die a thousand times, and see Old Glory trampled in the dirt never to rise again, than to see this beloved land of ours become degraded by race mongrels, a throwback to the blackest specimen from the wilds. "

--Robert C. Byrd
Doc's Hero

#9 | Posted by cookfish at 2009-11-

SET AMD MATCH TO MISTER COOKFISH

doc..you can pick up all the bandides that you may need in the lobby on your way out.

BAND AIDES

TERM LIMITS

NOW!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

FREE LUNCH
TODAY!!!!!!!!!!

~Abbababbabibblebabble

FREE HUEY!

AND DEWEY & LOUIE!!

N O W !!!!!!!!!!!!!!

~Alfalfabauble

IS IT SHIT?
OR IS IT SHINOLA?
WHO CARES?
TASTES THE SAME!!!!!!!!!!!!

~Alfabetazoomerbomb

You couldn't tell shit from Shinola, Snoops.

#25 | Posted by Doc_Sarvis

Great come-back dok. Don't look down at YOUR shoes.

Doc, you got me in stitches!
(get it? Doc/stitches?)

Afka: "Set and match" to Cookfish? For rehashing a lame-ass talking point on a 64-year-old statement that the guy now admits was despicable?

I guess in your hermetically sealed, ultra-partisan little Afka-bubble, it is.

Do carry on.

cbobareeno

you are just pissed because the statement is still around.
so by your logic, there will never be anything brought up from a conservative for the same reason. I think not....

DOC..........strange

see how those two words just seem to go together.

OOPS forgot

doc...
in stitches..

I get it
pretty good

after the SLAM from cookfish maybe DOC can NURSE himslef back to health.....

oh oh........oh........

Klan membership does taint one's resume, it is true, but

This "but" would never be uttered by lefties like CBOB if any conservative were a former Klansman, regardless of his accomplishments or "progress" since the day it became politically inexpedient to be in the Klan.

This "but" would never be uttered by lefties like CBOB if any conservative were a former Klansman, regardless of his accomplishments or "progress" since the day it became politically inexpedient to be in the Klan.
Posted by JOE

I'd give that person credit, if you can name me one who qualifies.

That person doesn't exist - because he'd never be electable in the first place. You've still got lefties whining about how Mitt Romney put his dog in a roof carrier 26 years ago, but having been a Klansman is A-OK.

Byrd has offended White N!ggers, as well as Black N!ggers.

"Amazing how forgiving libbies tend to be when the person in question is a Dem,"

More like wilfully ingorant. They make up all sorts of lies to defend Byrd. The guy said nigger on TV in 2001. But the talking point now is "He was a racist 60 years ago he's changed". Except nigger is still in his vocabulary.

"Byrd opposed creating the Department of Homeland Security in 2002 and called Bush "dangerous, reckless and arrogant" in February 2003, six weeks before the Iraq war started."

BEFORE the Iraq war. One of the few with the balls and resolve to stand up to the neocon onslaught, which as Byrd predicted prefectly, ended in dismal failure and tarnished this country. DR's rightards don't deserve to hold this man's jock...

I was hoping this was an obit thread. Oh well.

Byrd was an excellent leader. I can't speak for his senate leadership, but he sure did have me hating those darkies when he was leading the KKK Chapter and making our nooses!
His legacy will live on!
BTW, I'm pretty sure the movie Mississippi Burning was based on the life and acts of Byrd. I think I read it somewhere...

Byrd has offended White N!ggers, as well as Black N!ggers.

#43 | Posted by dean_buvia at 2009-11-18 12:07 PM | Reply

That's a good thing, right? I mean, isn't that something we can all get behind? Why do we care if those segments of society are offended? They can always console themselves with Jerry Springer.

"You've still got lefties whining about how Mitt Romney put his dog in a roof carrier 26 years ago"

I never heard that story.

"That person doesn't exist - because he'd never be electable in the first place."

Do you mean that the right would end up calling him a RINO and the left would not take his reformation as genuine sans the D after his name?

Arguable, though I wonder which would be the more immediate cause for his unelectability.

I never heard that story.

while on the subject
lets not forget the clip of every libs favorite OLD ex jimmah carter talking about
THAT BOY>.obama....

"You've still got lefties whining about how Mitt Romney put his dog in a roof carrier 26 years ago"

I never heard that story.

#48 | Posted by Hagbard_Celine at 2009-11-18 12:12 PM | Reply | Flag: Flag: (Choose)
FunnyNewsworthyOffensiveAbusiv
e

Klan membership does taint one's resume, it is true, but

This "but" would never be uttered by lefties like CBOB if any conservative were a former Klansman, regardless of his accomplishments or "progress" since the day it became politically inexpedient to be in the Klan.

#40 | Posted by JOE at 2009-11-18 11:57 AM | Reply | Flag:

Reading my mind again, all-knowing Joe? How conVENient for you.

That's surprising. It seemed to be brought up quite a bit during the 2008 primaries. It was even brought up again last night.
#50 | Posted by JOE

HYSTERICAL!!! I totally don't remember that. Did it undermine his ability to win the GOP primary? Wouldn't that be a intra-party problem and not a democratic issue?

I don't know that it necessarily affected his ability to win the Republican primary. Most of the whining about it that I saw came from lefties. Which is my point - they care about putting a dog in a roof rack, but not about a Byrd having been in the KKK.

Which is my point - they care about putting a dog in a roof rack, but not about a Byrd having been in the KKK.
#55 | Posted by JOE at 2009-11-18 12:31 PM | Reply | Flag:

Did Romney ever disavow caging animals on the roof of his car? Again, I don't remember, but I'd say that might have something to do with it.

I think he said something about how they made sure that he was safe...and its not uncommon is it??

a bunch of kids and a screaming wife..

shit..there were some trips that I would have liked to have been put up there..

shit..there were some trips that I would have liked to have been put up there..
#57 | Posted by afkabl2

If you still want to live out that fantasy, I'll come down to TX to help out.

I'll drive slow. I promise.

"Which is my point "

Losertarian Joe's only point is to turn any and every issue into an attack on the left.

Losertarian Joe's only point is to turn any and every issue into an attack on the left.
#59 | Posted by nullifidian

I take it as a compliment. He's in training and our arguments are better constructed usually. More of a challenge.

Did Romney ever disavow caging animals on the roof of his car?

I don't know. Does caging an animal on the roof of your car once require the same level of "disavowance" (not a word) as having a leadership position in the Klan? Romney wasn't in a club that supported dog roofing.

Anyway, Byrd disavowed the Klan but his statement was full of lies. He joined the Klan in 1942 and claimed to have "lost interest after about a year." This was contradicted by a racist letter to a segregationist in 1944 and another letter in support of the Klan's initiatives in 1947.

Joe -

For what it's worth, I will concede that joining the Klan, even decades ago, showed (at best) incredibly poor judgment, and that no number of apologies since then can completely remove the taint from Byrd's career. I feel the same way about Kennedy and Chappaquiddick. There will always be doubt in my mind about the choices both men made, and in my mind there's a little asterisk by each of their names. Honestly, I don't know how I would have reacted had I been faced with a vote on either one -- particularly early on in their careers.

But people are complex creatures, and I believe both Kennedy and Byrd showed strength of character to salvage their lives and, by my account, to fight the good fight in the Senate.

Losertarian Joe's only point is to turn any and every issue into an attack on the left.

You, on the other hand, are full of worthwhile points.

"For what it's worth, I will concede that joining the Klan, even decades ago, showed (at best) incredibly poor judgment...Chappaquiddick...

But"

There you go, making excuses again. I'm still of the opinion that no "but" would follow most lefties' attacks on a conservative who joined the Klan, or who drove off a bridge and left a woman to die.

gee

where was all this understanding for trent lott.

didnt seem to read the same thing from libs here or around the nation on THAT........and it was just a commment

HAG

at least it wouldnt be throwing me under a bus like barry and the dems tend to do to people

"For what it's worth, I will concede that joining the Klan, even decades ago, showed (at best) incredibly poor judgment"

He didn't join an existing Klan group. He started his own where there wasn't one previously.

"I don't know. Does caging an animal on the roof of your car once require the same level of "disavowance" (not a word) as having a leadership position in the Klan?"

To some people I'm sure it does. I don't know. LOL.

"Romney wasn't in a club that supported dog roofing."

Link please? LOL.

"Anyway, Byrd disavowed the Klan but his statement was full of lies. He joined the Klan in 1942 and claimed to have "lost interest after about a year." This was contradicted by a racist letter to a segregationist in 1944 and another letter in support of the Klan's initiatives in 1947."

He might have maintained an affinity for their ideas while at the same time become less enchanted with their organization. Doesn't have to be a lie, necessarily, even if the way he chose to express himself on the point was more than a touch self serving.

1947

Apparently there are no statues of limitation on asinine rwingnut talking points.

You, [dullifidian] on the other hand, are full of worthwhile points.

Have I missed his daily "I hate Texas" rants, or has he not gotten to them yet?

at least it wouldnt be throwing me under a bus like barry and the dems tend to do to people.
#65 | Posted by afkabl2

Stop it. You know that's more than a partisan pathology.

I can totally imagine you and me, loaded on many margaritas, driving down suburban texas streets, with you in a cage on the roof screaming about the president.

just keep the margaritas coming and maybe throw in a peanut or two.

just keep the margaritas coming and maybe throw in a peanut or two.
#71 | Posted by afkabl2

Stop flirting.

just keep the margaritas coming and maybe throw in a peanut or two.

Or the pequines you see the locals chomping on between shots of tequila on the other side of the border. Aye chihuahua!

...once a Dem is elected, he's there for life.

Once again RiR shows a total lack of insight in the political process. It is these kinds of rash and unsupported statements that have caused a decline in the integrity of the Republican party. They all do it, RiR.

Byrd manage to stay in office because he read the writing on the wall and did indeed change along with the political climate of his constituents. He also possessed great tenacity. This is something to be admired, not criticized.

Unfortunately, Byrd will not likely go down in history as one of the countries great patriots. A true patriot would recognize that popularity is one thing but righteousness is a whole different virtue, and in that respect, Byrd was a failure. He wore the hat of the KKK when that was popular. He then wore the hat of every other special interest that his voters wanted. He rode the pork barrel wagon like was riding shotgun on a wagon headed only to Virginia and still does even in a time when the country is broke, in part by the policies he supported too.

In short, he was as much a lifer in congress as all the rest, republican or democrat. Like Reid said, "... the people in your state should have first priority."

I have to disagree with Reid in that statement. That is the opinion of another senator and politician. His responsibility as a US Senator is to the country as a whole. He is voting on legislation for the whole country, not just Virginia.

A true patriot would have stood up to the sham of the 911 commission report and publicly reprimanded Bush and Cheney for refusing to testify under oath and only in private, but we all know where Langley is. He, like all the rest, swept it all under the rug just to maintain his popularity and position on the pork barrel wagon.

He deserves the honor of being the poster boy for term limits. 92 year old politicians don't risk controversy or popularity to serve the populace. What we need today is leaders that aren't afraid to stand up to the elites that really control the world government, and those people are neither right wing or left wing. They are the ones keeping us all divided so we can't get any thing done. There is no partisanship in today's congress. Only special interest groups that change hats like a stage actor.

#74 - Good stuff, Ringmaster. Despite what some seem to think, Byrd gets no pass from me. I do have a quibble: Byrd represents WEST Virginia, which split off from her big sister some time ago - possibly just before Byrd was first elected...

Ever get the feeling the the real reason some rtards are so pissed off at Byrd was precisely because he spent so many years disavowing the KKK?

Be Well.

As an independent voter who has voted for more Dems recently than Republicans, I think Byrd is a national disgrace.

I don't think the Byrd lovers on this thread have any idea how he is viewed oustide DNC echo chambers.

Just how bizarre it is...

...that our longest serving U.S. Senator...

...is also the former head of the Klu Klux Klan...

...AND, a LIFELONG...

...D E M O C R A T...

...I guess that proves the "big tent" assertion.

I remember during spring break driving through West Virginia, and Just about every building, bridge, and road had the name Bryd on it. Being 18 at the time I didn't know who this Bryd character was.

Now I know

#28 | Posted by rightisright

But whatever. Jefferson would be surprised to have learned that 240 years on, we have royalty in America: once a Dem is elected, he's there for life. And the richer, the better.
--------------------
When every Federal employee in your state, plus West Virginia employees, unions, and lawyers are protect by you it's easy to stay in office for life.

It's funny that when a republican renounces his racist past the liberal cry is "You can't change the spots on a leopard". But when democrat renounces his past racism he is pardoned.

Like George Orwell said, "All animals are equal, but some animals are more equal than others". It's really hard to take someone seriously when they espouse double standards.

This is the problem with elected officials. They get into office and become institutionalized. They have no concept of what it is to run a business much less really knows and feel how others perceive the legislative bodies. He should have had the common sense to step down earlier in his career. None the less the sooner we are done with the likes of Byrd and others of his ilk the better off as a country we will be.

WTFUA!

Just too long...no cause to celebrate, just a cause to shake one's head ...

Ku Klux Klan Byrd, DEMOCRAT, is the longest serving member of Congress. BTW, isn't that the longest serving Senator? The only way he will ever leave office is in a casket. The voters of W. VA get too many benefits from his chairmanships within the Senate.

the left honoring this racist shit bag by speaking of redemption have no credibility in criticizing anyone about anything. Do you hear that Spud?

Anyone who has a disagreement with Obama's tax and borrowing, money printing, massive government takeovers of business and industry are being demonized by those who think Byrd and his KKK lynch mob past is an honorable man.

Yesterday I happened to turn on CSPAN and watched the Senate commemoration of Sen. Byrd's long time service. When it came time for him to speak it was really quite moving. In his speech he acknowledged his evolution from one who voted against the Civil Rights bill to one who voted for a monument for Martin Luther King, from a hawk during Vietnam to a Dove in regards to Iraq. It would be one thing if he pretended that he had never been bigoted but he doesn't. I think he is to be respected as someone who was honestly interested in growing as a person and as such he probably helped his consituents, who kept reelecting him, to grow right along with him. That truely represents leadership IMHO.

He lynched the darkies, but all is forgiven because he used tax payer money to build a monument to King...