Sen. Robert Byrd dies

[Cetacea]

Source: USA TODAY

Sen. Robert C. Byrd, the nation's longest serving senator, has died.

The senator's office announced that he passed away at 3 a.m. Monday at a suburban Washington hospital.

The West Virginia Democrat was 92, and was serving in an unprecedented ninth term in the U.S. Senate.

We will be posting a full obituary soon on our home front.

(Posted by Kathy Kiely)

Read more: http://content.usatoday.com/communities/onpolitics/post/2010/06/sen-robert-byrd-dies/1

---

R.I.P.

[Dark]

1. rip

nt

[Lasher]

2. Even the heavens weep.

A tragic loss.

[Rhiannon12866]

5. I wondered why it's been raining so hard for the past few hours...

Now I know. ;(

[Rhiannon12866]

3. K&R. A terribly sad day for all of us...

;(

[rhett o rick]

4. RIP

[Duppers]

6. and I thought I couldn't cry any more today.

:cry:


I didn't think his death would touch me so much.

[LawnKorn]

7. I'm so sorry

[Tripmann]

8. R.I.P.

[UrbScotty]

9. My sympathies to all who knew and loved him.

:-(

[shotten99]

10. oh no....

[Jamastiene]

11. RIP

:(

[brucefan]

12. RIP

[Dennis Donovan]

13. Safe crossing, Senator, and Thank You for all you've done...

:patriot:

[liberal N proud]

14. RIP Senator

[xchrom]

15. God grant his family and friends Peace at this time. Nt

[Democat]

16. Rest In Peace!

A long full life, but still a sad day.

[Dulcinea]

17. Vaya con Dios.

Thank you for your service, Senator Byrd.

[JNelson6563]

18. Sad news.

:cry: :patriot:

[BumRushDaShow]

19. R.I.P.

I think that Ted Kennedy's passing took alot out of him.

R.I.P. O8)

[VenusRising]

20. Godspeed, Senator Byrd.

Thank you for all of your hard work.

:patriot:

[ElsewheresDaughter]

21. He will be missed . He was a good Senator.. RIP Sen. Byrd

[jefferson_dem]

22. Aw... RIP Senator Byrd.

You were a good man. :patriot:

[woodsprite]

23. So sorry to hear.

He's served this country well, and now he's reunited with his beloved wife. Hopefully Kennedy and Byrd will continue to watch over this country from beyond.

[Historic NY]

24. RIP Senator.

[qanda]

25. RIP Senator Byrd

You served well. Enjoy your rest with your sweet wife and Senator Kennedy.

[No Elephants]

26. thank you. RIP. Democratic Gov. appoints his replacement, who will serve until 2012 election.

[FBaggins]

45. That appears to be incorrect.

Had he lived another few days that would be true. Instead ther will be a special election this year.

[KamaAina]

130. Hold on. Maybe not.

http://hotlineoncall.nationaljournal.com/archives/2010/06/filling_robert.php

WV law gives Gov. Joe Manchin (D) the power to appoint Byrd's replacement. If a vacancy occurs within 2 and a half years of the beginning of the next term, the governor appoints a replacement until that next election. But state law says an election must be called if a vacancy occurs more than 2 and a half years before a term expires. Byrd's term would have had 2 and a half years left as of next week -- July 3.

But a special election is unlikely. State law says Manchin's appointment will be valid "until a successor to the office has timely filed a certificate of candidacy, has been nominated at the primary election next following such timely filing and has thereafter been elected and qualified to fill the unexpired term."

The WV primary took place May 11, making it unlikely that a special election will take place this year. And odd-year elections, used in many states to pick local officials, are a rarity in WV. In recent years, voters went to the polls only in '05, when they voted on a constitutional amendment. No elections were held in '07, '03 or '01.

Because the primary has already occured, the next opportunity to "timely file" will be Jan. '12 -- when Byrd's seat would have come open anyway. A primary would follow in May, with a special election to be held in concurrence with a general election later that year.

Boy, do I hope this holds up. We do NOT need another Chokely/Brown fiasco heading into November.

[FBaggins]

152. I think they'll have a tough time with that.

If state law says that an election "must be called" AND that the appointment is valid until a bunch of things happen... then there's a strong case to be made that the state is forced to schedule a primary.

The more fuss the party makes trying to keep that from happening, the more public opinion turns against us in a race that we could otherwise win.

Manchin is quite popular in WV... but he has the opportunity to botch that if he isn't careful.

[happygoluckytoyou]

178. we wouldn't have "that brown fiasco" if we had paid attention---- fear is a great motivator

[PSzymeczek]

196. WV has already had their primary.

So the appointee will serve until 2012, according to the WV SoS.

[FBaggins]

208. Does the law limit the state to only one primary?

according to the WV SoS.

No kidding. But it will be decided by a court if the other side chooses to challenge the decision. The SOS and Gov are not just relying on a technicality, but on a selective reading of a statute that creates this technicality.

The principle of the law is clear. The people have the right to elect their own representatives if there is enough time to do so... the Gov appoints their representative if there isn't enough time for an election. And the law states what period of time differentiates between "enough time" and "not enough time."

[brooklynite]

27. I met him when he ran last time in 2006...

Notwithstanding his age, he was as intellectually spry as a 20 year old). I don't think we'll see people like him again in the Senate.

[Ghost of Tom Joad]

28. R.I.P.

you will be missed

[Adenoid_Hynkel]

29. I was damn proud to have him as my senator

There was no time I held more respect for an official from my state than when Sen. Byrd stood on the floor of the Senate and acted as the the soul voice of reason in the face of Bush's coming Iraq blunder.

The GOP like to harp on his past (from 70 years ago), and as Byrd said, it will inevitably be mentioned in the first line of some of his obituaries.

But from his efforts to reach out to African-Americans and make up for his mistakes, to his recent support of ending the ban on gays in the military, Byrd's life was one that shows no one is too old to change and that it is possible to redeem yourself and achieve greatness.

Farewell, senator. We're gonna miss you in the Mountain State

[Duppers]

31. Last year, although ill,..

he managed to get himself to the steps of the Capitol to pay his respects to Teddy...




Sen. Robert Byrd, D-W.V., wipes his eyes next to Victoria Kennedy as the hearse carrying the casket of Sen. Edward Kennedy, D-Mass., seen right, stops in front of the Senate steps of the U.S. Capitol as members of Congress and their staff pay their respects during a precession for his interment in Washington, Saturday, Aug. 29, 2009. (AP Photo/Gerald Herbert)





Victoria Kennedy, left, widow of Sen. Edward Kennedy, D-Mass., kisses Sen. Robert Byrd, D-W.V., as Kennedy's hearse stops in front of the Senate steps of the U.S. Capitol as members of Congress and their staff pay their respects during a precession for his interment in Washington, Saturday, Aug. 29, 2009. Right is former Interior Secretary Dirk Kempthorne. (AP Photo/Gerald Herbert)


(Credit goes to Hissyspit's post of last year.)

[RufusTFirefly]

74. He loved the Constitution and was wise enough to learn from his past mistakes

The impassioned speech he gave in October 2002 brought me to tears.

I worry that some of our most courageous Americans are in their waning years.

Helen Thomas and Noam Chomsky are both in their 80s.
Bill Moyers is in his upper 70s.

These are people for whom speaking truth to power isn't simply a slogan.

Now Robert Byrd is gone.

Rest in peace, Senator.

[SalmonChantedEvening]

30. RIP Senator Byrd. nt

[Bluzmann57]

32. May he rest in peace

We've lost two giants in the last several months with Senator Kennedy and now Senator Byrd. Two men of the people.

[annabanana]

33. Rest in Peace, Senator.

May good men follow your example in your office.

[blueknight]

35. the working man's best friend

RIP senator, and thanks for everything you did for the blue collar workers in this country

[joanmj]

34. R.I.P.

[Rebubula]

36. Yup...

...I am the asshole.

Robert Byrd did some good, but he also spent a good part of his life doing bad.

I shed no tears for Robert Byrd. I am not happy about his death, but I have never trusted a man that pledged allegiance to the KKK.

Had Sen. Byrd had an (R) next to his name, there would be grave dancing on this site.

Tigers do not change stripes, they just get better with camouflage.

And before anyone brings up the support Byrd had in the black community....I will remind you that in George Wallace's last election he got over 90% of the black vote.

[Change Happens]

39. You should have waited one day or so at least...But

It is a free country...

[hlthe2b]

54. 70 years ago.... Your inability to acknowledge evolution....

or to forgive, but need to publicly disparage on the day of his death says more about you than anything you could say about Senator Byrd. Part of what you said in your post is true, however and I think most DUers can discern which.

[Powdered Toast Man]

67. Unfortunately,

The only part he got wrong was the camouflage part. Had Byrd been an "R" people here would be dancing all over his grave; such is the attitude of DU these days; or at least the most vocal one.

As for me, all I have to say is rest in peace. My condolences go out to his family and friends.

[hlthe2b]

73. Not true...

Perhaps for some more recent Repubs, but not those of years past who were able to put country first, rather than their absolute ideology. One need only look to more recent posted remarks towards Nixon as but one example.

[Powdered Toast Man]

80. Well....

It is not as if Nixon JUST died. People's view of the deceased tends to improve over time... unless you are Hitler.

[LanternWaste]

167. It simply becomes more objective.

"People's view of the deceased tends to improve over time..."

It simply becomes more objective.

[sabrina 1]

190. But Senator Byrd did NOT have an R after his name, did he?

He could have. That he didn't, that he remained a Democrat and was so close to people like Ted Kennedy, ought to tell people a lot about his sincerity.

He would have been welcomed into the Republican Party in WV, he chose a different path, in line with his evolvement as a person.

Therefore, the whole 'if he had an R after his name' argument is irrelevant.

[rayofreason]

100. 46 years ago...

...is when Byrd voted against the Civil Rights act.

Still, like Wallace, he changed in his later days and came to be a strong supporter of civil rights.

[hlthe2b]

124. yes...

I was referring to his time in the KKK... Either way, I believe the point is made. :thumbsup:

[beyurslf]

141. He FILIBUSTERED the Civil Rights Act, not just voted against it.

He did everything in his power as a Senator to stop it from becoming law. And he was almost 50 then. Hardly a youthful indiscretion.

[rayofreason]

153. Agreed...

...but I believe in redemption and the ability of individuals to recognize that they have been dreadfully wrong.

[beyurslf]

170. In 40 years when President Bush wants to be remembered as something other

than the warmongering, economy-busting, worst-president-ever that he is, can we discuss that again?

[rayofreason]

183. Unfortunately....

...I doubt that I'll be around in 40 years, and if I am it is not likely to be in this corporeal form

http://www.singularity.com/

in which case there will be far more important things to discuss.

[LanternWaste]

188. Amazing Grace, how sweet thou art...

I imagine you'd prefer John Newton never have had his own redemptive moment, nor be celebrated for the achievements of life, and be solely remembered for what he finally escaped from. I see little reason why you would even tolerate his apology whenever you hear it sung.

[PSzymeczek]

195. But he didn't come out

and admit he was wrong. Byrd did. And he voted on the side of the angels after that. I can forgive.

[kestrel91316]

210. Don't expect W to have 40 years of liberal activism to make up for

early conservativism.

That's the difference between the two men. One can see his errors and make amends - the other never will.

[SwampG8r]

157. filibustered it you mean

he did more than vote against it

[rayofreason]

158. Yes...

...he and many others were on the wrong side of history. When considering a person's overall contribution, such events should be given their due weight, as should subsequent actions. I do believe that on the matter of race, Byrd did come to realize the errors of his earlier actions. Not everyone who has been on the wrong side of history has been willing to admit it.

[beyurslf]

171. Lots of people come to realize things they believed when they were young are not true

and they change. He was in his late 40's when he filibustered the Civil Rights Act. It was not the act of a young man. Not many people change their opinions in their 50's--some just find themselves outnumbered and adapt.

[kestrel91316]

211. I voted Republican when I was young. Can I ever be forgiven for that?

Or will that sin forever make me persona non grata?

[SwampG8r]

213. he wasnt a republican when he did it

he was a dem acting against the president
also a dem
if anything you voted on as a republican was from the floor of the senate then it might be useful for comparison

[proud2BlibKansan]

59. Stay classy, ok?

[QC]

62. No class, as usual. n/t

[go west young man]

77. Such an optimist....

if no one or nothing can ever change why do you bother posting on a political blog? The one true constant in the universe is change and if you have no belief that people can change I would encourage you to get out and get some fresh air. Your like that one crap relative who shows up at a funeral and whispers to everyone how much of an asshole the deceased was in life. Others know of their faults but they have the decency to understand that in life we all make mistakes and now is the time to forgive. Byrd did spend the rest of his life after his bad decision making attempting to make up for those bad decisions. And he did try to save the lives of hundreds of thousands of now dead Iraqi men, women, and children. Enjoy your day.

[RufusTFirefly]

83. Senator Byrd set the example of wisdom: You can learn and change

And despite efforts to learn from your mistakes, there will always be people who refuse to forgive you for your past offenses.

Unlike Senator Byrd, I am an atheist. But I still believe in rehabilitation and redemption.

[DimplesinMI]

93. Hey Buddy!

I am African-American, not from West Virginia but feel as if I have a right to comment on Senator Byrd's passing and his pass dealings with the KKK.

People CAN CHANGE and Senator Byrd proved this. Yes, he opposed the Civil Rights Act of 1964, but he also opposed the Iraq War. He fought for the poor in West Virginia tirelessly within the Senate....African American, White or other poor West Virginians of ALL colors and creeds.

PEOPLE can CHANGE. He was wrong in his past. He made amendments in the many years ahead, until his passing. We ALL AS HUMANS can make MISTAKES. Humans are not without faults. Also, you are rude to talk about ill dearly departed less than 24 hours, after the passing.

GOD SPEED SENATOR BYRD. Heaven gates await you.

[wtmusic]

103. +1

[ooglymoogly]

117. One of the beauties of evolution is in its ability to learn from past mistakes. nt

[IntravenousDemilo]

172. Which is why fundies so abhor it. n/m

[Vidar]

145. Very well said. Thank you.

[Flying Dream Blues]

148. A very wise and forgiving post.. nt

[Dappleganger]

174. Great post!

[stevedeshazer]

191. You are right.

I agree with you.

[kestrel91316]

212. Welcome to DU!

[ooglymoogly]

I am surprised that in Georgia, Wallace did not get 110% of the black vote. nt.

good ol boys will always find a way.

[Mickeyc1004]

166. Your comments are very disrespectful.

Those comments are the same type of comments that I've heard on republican websites again and again, and hearing them here just blows my mind.


It shouldn't need to be said, but African Americans like everyone else know the difference between someone who is for them or against them.


Robert Byrd changed his ways and apologized many times and he even supported Obama.

[ooglymoogly]

199. What in the world are you talking about?

Did you even read my post?
Are you even answering my post? I am talking about rigged elections that are rampant in the south, that keep these authoritarian southern pugs in power; Not whether black folks can tell the diff between good and bad politicians. Black folks can read the signs same as anyone. Perhaps you should read a few of my other posts on this OP. Or are you just trying to build a straw scarecrow out of old worn out goody two shoes? Your twisted take on my post, which is, in no way insulting to Sen. Bird whom I consider a great statesman and like the rest of us I mourn his passing and consider his passing a great loss; A respect I do not extend to pug senators from the south or pug senators from anywhere else for that matter.

[Mickeyc1004]

206. Your post said nothing about rigged elections.

Twisted take?

I can only interpret what is written. If your post meant something other than what you wrote, why didn't you write what you meant to say?

Especially since what you actually wrote didn't have anything at all to do with the original message.

[ooglymoogly]

214. If anyone gets 110 % of any demographic, in any election;

It is rigged....Get it? If you didn't get that, "Good ol boys will always find a way" Meaning; Will always find a way to keep getting elected...(rigging elections), that, should have tipped you off.

[Hoyt]

119. At least he apologized profusely. Strom Thurmond and others from that era simply became Republicans.

Shortly after the Civil Rights Act was passed most of the so-called Dixiecrats ran to the Republican Party that welcomed them with open arms for their bigotry.

Byrd at least stuck it out, apologized, and showed he meant it by his actions. I'll give him credit for that, especially at this time.

[lenegal]

125. Good God!! People change

I was around during the Civil Rights era.

That was the way it was in the South then.

We evolve, we learn, we grow...............or not.

[demosincebirth]

136. Ditto!

[demosincebirth]

135. People do change in their life time...thats why we have a free will. God bless you Robt. Byrd. RIP

[struggle4progress]

150. "I know now I was wrong. Intolerance had no place in America. I apologized a thousand times ... and

I don't mind apologizing over and over again" he said later. Better that a man should move from the evil towards the good than that he should move from the good towards the evil. HIs KKK period was entirely to his shame -- and to his credit, we really should add that he himself decided it was to his shame and was able to say that he was ashamed of himself for it

I did not always agree with the Senator, but he was in many ways a great Senator and an honest towering scholar of our Constitutional system: he will be missed

[classysassy]

179. It would be a wonderful thing

if the racist in the senate today would follow his example,confess and repent.

[Truth2Tell]

197. I assume you mean racists. nt

[SwampG8r]

155. +10,000,000

will he be interred in his grand dragon robes?

[4dsc]

161. Go fuck yourself today will ya..

[vanbean]

162. You said it. RIP Senator Byrd.

[Mickeyc1004]

164. Robert Byrd did change for the better.

In general, I'm very critical of racist, but Robert Byrd renounced his earlier involvement in the KKK and when many segregationist moved over to the republican party because of Civil Rights he stayed in the democratic party.

Robert Byrd also endorsed Obama.


I'd not going to judge a changed man for something he did long ago as a young man. It was a very different world back then and he is from the South where segregation was endorsed by the majority.

Quote from Robert Byrd


"I know now I was wrong. Intolerance had no place in America. I apologized a thousand times... and I don't mind apologizing over and over again. I can't erase what happened."

— Robert C. Byrd,

[Bert]

205. You are an asswhole

Kill yourself and see what your obituary says.

[UpInArms]

37. I am so sorry - he will be greatly missed.

[BlueJazz]

38. He destroyed the idea that "Only the good die young". A Wonderful Human Being.

[E_Olenska]

40. Now who will speak for us?

[Pastiche423]

41. Peaceful journey, Senator

Our last Statesman.

:cry:

[Mad_Dem_X]

42. RIP, Senator.

[Lint Head]

43. The bird takes flight with the Constitution tucked under his wing.

[glinda]

89. well said.

[riverbendviewgal]

131. He was indeed an eagle - May he rest in peace

And so it was,
as it always has been
and always will be
that Spirit comes to awaken us
soaring upon the wings of rhythm
encircling our forgetfulness
with the rapture of being alive
in the temples of our bodies
at the altars of our souls
in the bosom of Mother Earth
here and now.

author unknown

[scarletlib]

187. What a beautiful metaphor and so fitting.

So beautiful. Thank you for this. May he rest in peace.

[Maeve]

44. An era has ended. Rest in peace, Senator. eom

[City Lights]

46. RIP, Senator Byrd.

Peace to his loved ones.

[Triana]

47. R.I.P. Senator Byrd n/t

[Soylent Brice]

48. RIP

[MissDeeds]

49. R.I.P Senator Byrd

Thanks for your service.

[KoKo]

50. Senator Byrd's Speech Opposing Iraq War 3/19/03 Part 2

Senator Byrd's Speech Opposing Iraq War 3/19/03 Part 2

Worth the watch as a memorial to him...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dzlLU9Uxvdc&feature=related

[wtmusic]

92. What a better world we might have

if there were more in the Senate with his courage and eloquence.

RIP Senator Byrd.

[McCamy Taylor]

51. Miss him already.

:cry:

[katsy]

52. RIP Senator.

:cry:

[Odin2005]

53. OH NO!!! RIP, Senator!

:cry:

[proReality]

55. He'll be missed. n/t

[madmax]

56. RIP Senator Byrd

[eowyn_of_rohan]

57. The Conscience of the Senate...

will anyone be able to fill his shoes?

[BlueDemKev]

58. Good-Bye, Old Friend

You did so much our country and the progressive movement, while always showing the utmost class and dedication to preserving the dignity of the Senate.

The two greatest senators of the post-World War II era are gone. :(


RIP Robert Byrd & Edward Kennedy :cry:

[raccoon]

60. Seems like all the good politicians are dying and the bad ones live forever....nt

[tishaLA]

61. RIP Mr Senator

[JohnnyLib2]

63. RIP

[Beacool]

64. He had a long and full life, but it is still sad to see him go.

Rest in peace, senator Byrd.

:(

[NewJeffCT]

65. May he rest in peace

52 years in the Senate is an amazing accomplishment.

[wisteria]

66. God bless him. May he rest in peace. n/t

[florida08]

68. the senator

grew as a person. Many don't. Was raised by his aunt and uncle after his mother died when he was a year old. He took their surname.

Son of a coal miner. Worked as a butcher a welder a store clerk and a gas station attendeant..not a lawyer. Married once. Earned his college degree while in office given to him by Jack Kennedy. Got a political science degree at 76. Played the fiddle and appeared on Hee Haw. Called the King of Pork for which he was proud as it helped his beloved state of West Virginia saying "Pork, to the critic, is service to the people who enjoy some of the good things in life, and I've been happy to bring to West Virginia the projects to which they refer. I have no apology for it,"

As for his campaigning against civil rights he said it was the greatest mistake of his life. "It's a lesson to the young people of today, that once a major mistake has been made in one's life," he said, "it will always be there, and it will be in my obituary." He became a member of the KKK at 24 and was a member for 10 years ('42-'52)

He said his wife was the greatest woman he ever met in the world. She was named Mother of the Year by the Thunder of the Tygart Foundation at the birthplace of Anna Jarvis, the founder of Mother's Day. She established an endowment fund in WV that provided scholarships.

He was the only democrat to vote to censure Clinton and voted againt impeachment. He opposed gay marriage but voted against the Federal Marriage amendment. He opposed affirmative action but got a 67% rating from ACLU in 2006.

He opposed the war in Iraq stating on the day the US invaded:
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.

He also rebuked Bush's appearance aboard the carrier claiming major combat missions had ened. "I do question the motives of a deskbound president who assumes the garb of a warrior for the purposes of a speech."

In July 2004, Byrd released the book Losing America: Confronting a Reckless and Arrogant Presidency about the Bush presidency and the war in Iraq.

He opposed the Bush tax cuts and his proposal to change SS.
Like most of us he was a flawed human being and tried to change some of it.

RIP

[LiberalLovinLug]

118. I'll always remember that speach against the Iraq invasion

Full speech here

He seemed like one of the few sane voices amid all the war clamoring and glorification from the MSM, and Republicans and the shrieking silence of most of the Democrats.

That was a brave speech, and he was a brave man to admit his past mistakes and grow as a human being.

RIP

[florida08]

146. thanks for the link

Yes it was a brave speech. "He seemed like one of the few sane voices amid all the war clamoring and glorification from the MSM, and Republicans and the shrieking silence of most of the Democrats."

Isn't that the truth! Well said.

[loudsue]

69. May his soul be at peace

I remember how hard he fought against the Homeland Security bill. :cry:

[femmocrat]

70. How sad....

I am so sorry to hear this. He was one of a kind.

[mikelgb]

71. RIP

[sonias]

72. Condolences to the Byrd family.

May Senator Byrd rest in peace. He was a very good man and will be missed.

Godspeed Senator Byrd.

[DoBotherMe]

75. He said so many true things

I will miss him. Dana ; )

[Liberal_Stalwart71]

76. R.I.P. Can things get any worse?

R.I.P.

I hate to say it, but I believe that the M$M won't focus on all the good things he did and how he changed his life around from being a Grand Wizard of the Klan to one of the biggest champions of civil rights/civil liberties in the Sneate. No, the M$M will only focus on the former--that he was a Klansman at the "tender" age of 16. They will act as if he *STILL* is a racist despite his voting record of the last 40 years or so.

The Republicans are rejoicing.

Watch, wait and see...

[Nite Owl]

78. How sad for all of us

He is a true example of someone who changed his life for the better.
I am happy that he is with his beloved wife now.

Peace to all his friends and family. He will be missed.

[myrna minx]

79. Rest in Peace.

Thank you for doing everything you could to prevent the Iraq invasion. :hug:

[earcandle]

81. What a sweet man with a wonderfully full life. Rest in Peace, Senator Byrd.

[revolution breeze]

82. RIP Senator

Thank you for your dedicated service to your country.

[Dappleganger]

84. RIP

Thank you for your service, Sen. Byrd. :(

[Jack Rabbit]

85. ( )

Pebblez.com

[chrstianmaldor]

86. RIP. He is in heaven now. God bless his soul n/t

[47of74]

87. RIP Senator Byrd

[Lifelong Protester]

88. Sad to see the end of an era with his passing

No one knew the rules of the Senate, nor tried to keep it an orderly and high-minded place, as he. He will be missed, and I offer my condolences to his family and his state.

[OhioChick]

90. RIP

[DimplesinMI]

91. Heaven Gates Await...........

The Elder STATESMEN from his beloved West Virginia. Rest in Peace, Senator Byrd. You done GOOD during your time on Earth!

[on point]

94. A true Patriot and Defender of the Constitution

Unlike the right wing nut bars, here was someone who actually knew the meaning of the constitution and defended it always., A man that will long be missed.

[geomon666]

95. R. I. P. n/t

[Roland99]

96. WV and the nation have lost a great one.

:(

[slipslidingaway]

97. R.I.P.

[Barack_America]

98. We've lost a great man.

I'm very sorry to hear of his passing. I hope that he is at peace.

[RamboLiberal]

99. RIP Senator Byrd - you served your country well

And you were an example for all of us. You were not a perfect man, but you admitted your mistakes, you were willing to educate yourself and you grew. Being a neighbor of WV I know how well you served your constituents. A lot of us in PA were envious that we didn't have one like you.

I wish more in the Senate & House took their duties to those bodies as seriously as you.

God speed Senator.

[ColesCountyDem]

101. Go in peace, faithful servant!

:cry:

[Hekate]

102. Go safely, Senator. Thank you for showing us all how a man can change his way of thinking....

... for the better, and for acting on it.

Some would have (and many do) cling to outworn or erroneous ways "because that's always the way it's been" or because they think by doing so they appear stronger somehow. Senator Byrd rose above that, and I think he showed leadership. He was vocal in his opposition to Bush-Cheney's predations on the Constitution during those dark times. I'm glad the Democratic tent was and is big enough to have included him.

Rest in peace. Thank you for your service.

Hekate

[Major Hogwash]

104. Wow, we have lost one of our most patriotic patriots ever.

Man, when he spoke about the Constitution, it was enthralling.
He used to speak so eloquently about the laws that govern this great land of ours that it would cause me to stop to catch my breath.
He was such a great speaker that he caused me to swell with pride for being an American, and have hope for this great country again.
His speeches on the Senate floor were ones for the ages.
He was the conscience of the Senate, the one who made all heads bow to contemplate.

To make me pause to see the genius of our forefathers to write such a great Constitution.
To make me humble about the men who carried out the laws of governing throughout this great land according to that Constitution.
To make me stand in awe at the man who used the Constitution to guide him through 50 years of serving our country as a Senator.

He was surely one of the best Senators we ever had.
And one of the best we could ever hope to have.

[Jefferson23]

105. RIP dear man. n/t

[Raksha]

106. R.I.P. Senator Byrd

[quiet.american]

107. Will never forget him. Godspeed, Senator Byrd. nt

[Maat]

108. May he rest in peace.

I just remember how hard he tried to stick up for the Constitution in the last decade.

[Liberty Belle]

109. My son won a Robert Byrd scholarship ;

It paid much of his way through college at UC Berkeley. Thank you, Senator Byrd.

He had some wrong positions in his younger years, like many of his generation, but he was wise enough to change with the times. He will be missed.

[sodom]

110. why the outpouring of love?

the man was a racist
he filibustered the civil rights act of 1964
supported the impeachment of clinton and voted for his censure
opposed allowing gays to serve in the military
opposed gay marriage
supported the appointment of john roberts and samuel alito to the supreme court

he may have done some positive things in his political career, but not nearly enough to outweigh the bad.

just because hes dead does not mean we should forget who he actually was, we do nothing to serve his memory or our country by casting aside reality for candy coated bullshit. you want to remember the man, remember the fucking man.

[Green_Lantern]

133. you only told the part of the story that fit your narrative...

He voted for the 1968 Civil Rights Act.

He voted against impeaching Clinton.

In 2007 PETA named him Person of the Year.

He voted against Geithner as Treasury(only Feingold and Harkin did too).

He's voted to limit the US arming of Colombia and Mexico. Against Iraq.

Byrd's voting record in 2003-2004 was given 100% rating by the NAACP.

Surely it's possible for a man to shed racist views after 40 years

[sodom]

217. you missed the point

im not saying byrd didnt do anything positive in his political career, im saying he did a lot of harm as well. and since hes dead its nice to say something good about him, you still should not forget all the pain he has inflicted on people.

while he may have curbed his bigotry towards blacks over the years, his vote for the 1968 civil rights act was purely political. that aside, his efforts to discriminate against homosexuals till the day he died remains vividly clear.

the fact remains that he supported john roberts and samuel alito
and he did support censure and impeachment of clinton

none of this is up for debate, the man was a bigot and supported some of the worst choices for the supreme court that i know of.

his actions or lack of actions, lack of ethics, lack of character will have a long lasting negative impact on this country. you want to glorify the man, i just want to remember him for what he was.

[SpankMe]

111. His anti-war stuff was awesome...

Sen. Byrd is one of the greatest turnaround stories ever - originally a segregationist, but ended up scoring high on his support of civil rights legislation.

This is a huge loss for the country and for the Senate and for decorum in the halls of government. What a man.

[avaistheone1]

149. +1000

[Amaril]

112. RIP Senator Byrd

Words cannot convey our gratitude. Your wisdom, empathy and grace remain an example for all of us.

[Libertas1776]

113. RIP

Senator Byrd.

[AllyCat]

114. Godspeed Senator. Thank you for your service to our country.

[Uncle Joe]

115. RIP Senator Byrd.

:patriot:

[babylonsister]

116. I'm sorry to read this. RIP, Senator Byrd. You will be missed by me. nt

[ooglymoogly]

120. A good and trusted man. Go with the gods, you have earned it. nt

[ooglymoogly]

121. And KR nt

[craigmatic]

122. I think he was one of those people who actually got more liberal with age.

We should all be so lucky to live as long and eventful life as he had.

[Arkana]

123. Oh, no.

Sweet Jesus, no.

[amandabeech]

126. Easy passing, Sen. Byrd.

He was a man who grew throughout his life, transcending his time and place.

If his fellow Senators had followed his eloquent lead back in 2002, we would not be in the mess that we are today.

I hope that he has found his beloved wife, Erma, and will reminiscing with his friend, Sen. Kennedy, very soon.

[CountAllVotes]

127. fare you well Senator

you have served America proudly. :patriot: May you RIP along with that copy of the Constitution which you always carried in your pocket. :cry:

:dem: :kick: & recommend.

[grasswire]

128. well done, good and faithful servant nt

[Name removed]

129. Deleted message

Message removed by moderator. Click here to review the message board rules.

[qnr]

132. Hi and bye n/t

[Joey Liberal]

134. RIP

[BolivarianHero]

137. What a man; what a life.

At times more wrong than Bush but always steadfast in his willingness to admit it and to serve those he had once hurt; at times more right than Sanders, and always willing to stand up even when others whose principles were closer to my own would waver in the face of power. In the end he never backed down in doing right for his country, by his principles, and for his constituents.

[Judi Lynn]

138. Horrible knowing he has gone. R.I.P. n/t

[kimi]

139. Rest in Peace Senator Byrd

Bless your heart for all you did for this country and your state. Thank you.

[rumpel]

140. Thank you, Senator Byrd

We miss you, your wisdom, courage and your passion. One of the last great Senators...

[Poll_Blind]

142. The most eloquent senator I have ever had the pleasure to hear...

...and whose sentiments and intentions were overwhelmingly in the interests of The People.

PB

[Ken Burch]

143. How soon will Manchin appoint himself to the job?

I keep hearing he's been planning to do that.

Does anyone think he'll actually have the stones to go through with it?

[Tx4obama]

154. Update regarding the seat vacancy

From FiveThirtyEight.com

WV Special Election is Unlikely Until 2012

UPDATE: 11:50 AM. I'm now hearing from a well-placed source that the Secretary of State's office is very likely to interpret the law as requiring a special election in 2012, rather than in November, because the candidate filing period for this year has already passed and because there is a court precedent on the books which supported this interpretation.

If this scenario comes to transpire, there would actually be both a special election and a general election on the ballot in November 2012 -- although the winner of the special election would only serve during the lame duck period between the elections and when the new Congress convened in January, 2013.

The West Virginia Secretary of State will hold a press conference at 4:30 today at which an official decision is announced.

http://www.fivethirtyeight.com/2010/06/wv-secretary-of-state-no-decision-yet.html

[Vidar]

144. Vaya con Dios, Senator. I hope you & Teddy give 'em hell in the next life.

You sure did here,& I thank you for it. RIP, Old Lion.

[Name removed]

147. Deleted message

Message removed by moderator. Click here to review the message board rules.

[mvd]

151. Sorry to hear this

I hope we can succeed him with another Democrat.

[backwoodsbob]

175. oh he will be

WV is about as solidly Dem as you could ask for.

as a local (live in a town that is half Va and half WV)even we on the Va side considered him OUR senator. He was a complicated man.on the local scene he was a man not to be crossed.He could be the most honorable person you ever met but if a political opponent crossed him on the local scene he would crush them.

I had the pleasure of meeting him a few times...once years ago got to eat breakfast with him in Beckley...he was a trip :loveya: He could say some of the most off the wall stuff you have ever heard and still make perfect sense.

We loved him here and he will be missed but I won't mourn...I'll celebrate a complicated and wonderful man who grew throughout life and became a true champion of the people

[d_b]

156. To the former Klansman

who stood up against the Iraq war when so many other "liberal" chickenshits couldn't be bothered...

:toast:

R.I.P.

[jwirr]

159. RIP The end of a very good servant of the people.

[slay]

160. :(

:cry:

[Lugnut]

163. Rest in peace, sir.

Nobody can adequately fill his shoes.

[go west young man]

165. In memorium his Iraq War speech.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yxWfawiufK0

[lib_wit_it]

168. K&R for thread and this vid.

[1776Forever]

169. Robert & Teddy together in Heaven ~ Blessings ~ n/t

[crazyjoe]

173. I wonder how many lynchings he was a part of........he never would

answer the question.

[Heywood J]

176. What did he actually die of?

All I ever heard was "other medical conditions".

[saracat]

177. He was a great statesman. There is truly no one of his stature left.

He brought dignity and class to the Senate and he truly cared about the Constitution in a way no other ever will. RIP , Sir.

[Politicub]

180. RIP, Senator

:(

His turnaroud about civil rights should be an inspiration for everyone. People can and do change their heart.

I sincerely believe he would have embraced LGBT equality if he had more time on Earth.

[Old Troop]

181. I wish him peace but will never get past the Grand Kleagle thing.

[senseandsensibility]

182. I will never forget his speech during the run-up to the Iraq invasion

He spoke for me at a time when such views were silenced everywhere, not just in conservative circles. RIP, Senator.

[Martin Eden]

186. I wish the rest of the Senate had listened to his very moving and spot-on speech

His voice at that time earned my admiration and respect, regardless of the errors of his earlier days.

[senseandsensibility]

194. The fact that most didn't listen will be a black mark against

them historically. They will not be judged kindly for it. The simple truth of his words sent shivers up my spine, and I can't believe others of good will did not feel the same way. Glad to hear that someone else appreciated the speech!;-) Today I want to remember the good qualities of Senator Byrd; the fact that he wasn't perfect will also be part of his historical legacy.

[RFKHumphreyObama]

184. That's very sad to hear

I will miss him. He made some mistakes in his early life but he overcame his prejudices and evolved into a man of great courage, integrity, compassion and principle. His legendary love for Senate history and tradition was deep and heartfelt and he will have a profound legacy there.

My deepest, sincerest and most heartfelt thoughts, prayers, sympathies and condolences go out to Senator Byrd's family, friends and political colleagues. We have lost a great man

RIP Senator Byrd. You did well and the world is better for having had you in it

[FreeState]

185. RIP Sen Byrd -

Thanks for your service - while Im not about to excuse you for you homophobia I hope you rest in peace.

[davidpdx]

189. Heard the news via CNN last night here in Seoul

It is heartbreaking, but it was his time to go. RIP

[pitohui]

192. rest in peace, he tried to learn, change, and grow

it takes a strong man to keep from being "stuck" in the way he was raised and to keep trying to change and do the right thing

[MBS]

215. oh, yes-- thanks for saying this. n/t

[roxiejules]

193. Farewell

Farewell to the last great orator in the Senate.

[ribrepin]

198. Every time I think about Robert Bryd, I think of the line in "To Kill a Mockingbird"

"Stand up Miss Jean Louise. Your father is passing..." I don't know why...that phrase keeps circling my brain. Maybe it was Senator Bryd on the floor of the Senate speaking against invading Iraq.

[ArmeniansForObama]

200. Good riddance

Genocide denier and all around evil history.

[ccharles000]

201. ...

:cry:

[cascadiance]

202. RIP Senator! And RIP to my mom's sister who joined him later today!

Just found out minutes ago...

[vanboggie]

203. Thank you Senator for waving the Constitution

in front of the Rethugs during the Bush/Cheney Crime Spree years. You often voiced what I wanted to tell that Rethug Congress. You gave 'em hell.

[manny70]

204. RE: Byrd

It's amazing how many people cannot get over his past with the Klan. That was more than 50 years ago, and he apologized many time.s

[politicalmajority]

207. R.I.P. Senator Byrd.

My sincere condolences.

Thank you for, among other things, standing up against George W. Bush's invasion of Iraq.

:patriot: :cry:

[pokercat999]

209. There is only one way I could have more respect for Senator

Byrd and that is if had served only one term and then led a citizens group from outside the corruption.

[summerintx]

216. Byrd grew to be one of the great ones

Byrd's life became a witness to the power of all humans to be transformed through higher education, relationships with good and decent people who exerted a positive influence, and being exposed to the highest American ideals and values.

When he was a member of the KKK those 10 years, he just had a high school education and was living in a thoroughly racist society and espoused a fundamentalist version of religion. He worked as a gas station attendant, ship yard welder, and a butcher - blue collar jobs that required little education. And he had little education.

Sometime after he was first elected to state office, he started to increase his education, beginning with junior college. He took night classes at George Washington University after being elected to the U.S. Congress, but didn't earn a law degree until 1963.

While I know some wonderful people who had no formal education beyond high school but who were self-taught, having continued to learn by reading their way to a broad world view, I know others with little higher education who are stuck in a red-necked and racist state of mind. Some are in-laws of mine. Not bad people, but limited by their intellectual foundation being so limited.

Senator Byrd overcame much early ignorance and prejudice. He may have not shed every scrap of it (how many of us have overcome every vestigial remnant of prejudice toward some one or some group?), but his actions in the second half of his life revealed someone who had been changed in significant ways. He became a great man. I am so grateful for his life and service.

[Name removed]

218. Deleted message

Message removed by moderator. Click here to review the message board rules.