I 've been reading many comments trying to compare the late (not so great Jesse Helms to Senator Robert C. Byrd.
Several years ago, I wrote directly to Senator Byrd. I share the contents before the fold.
Ltr to my son (about) Senator Byrd
My 30 year old son called to see if I had heard yet about the "...Senator Byrd KKK acknowledgment..." (that) he (my son) found on the internet.
I reminded him:
I grew up sitting on the floor watching politics from a black and white TV set. Above me sat my mother. We were the first Black family in our neighborhood to have a TV set. People from all around would stop by just to see how it worked.
I spoke of my life‘s many benchmarks:
I remember the nominating conventions for Stevenson and Ike...and others...I was six years old listening and watching the Army-McCarthy hearings...years later the Kennedy, Dr Martin Luther King murders...my active participation in The Black Panther Party (1967-1969)...and so much more.
I was reminiscent:
I remember the first time I saw you speak from the Senate floor. Many times you have moved me to alternative thinking or consideration. I have cried with wonderment and joy more than once just listening to your many eloquent exchanges. I often speak of you to family, friends and co-workers.
I shared with him (again):
Several years ago (1996), I was asked what I liked most about America...I told the reporter (in part) ‘...nothing is more important than watching the senior Senator from West Virginia speak from the senate floor. My sons have grown up with Senator Byrd stories and quotes. He is a big part of what is best about America.’
I told him:
I love to say I love what you are about, who you are and ...yes...who you were. Your record and good works over the last 60 years are not just a matter for history. I carry your words, your wisdom and deeds in my heart every day. You have been a truly great, great senator, but you are even greater just as a man and a fellow citizen human being...you have made a permanent mark on me and my family. And...
I tell you now:
I am proud to be one of the million(s) of loyal admirers. I am proud to tell anyone: ‘...I love Senator Byrd...’
PS: "...Is it any wonder, why..." - Sen. Byrd (1958 - present)