Henry Hyde was a gentleman and a patriot. He caught the falling flag when the nation needed his help. Bless him.
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Posted on 11/29/2007 6:22:09 AM PST by Brytani
Fox News just announced Henry Hyde has passed away.
Rest in Peace Congressman Hyde.
“sweet” memories
Henry Hyde was among our finest, that’s for certain!
I’m using my first post on FR to honor my favorite congressman Henry Hyde. Few who have served in congress did so with the unselfishness, grace and courage of his convictions than Rep. Hyde did. He single handedly saved the lives of a million or more babies and had the courage to pursue justice against the felonious Clinton administration. For this, he truly deserved to be known as the “Gentleman from Illinois”. May he rest in peace in the kingdom of the Lord.
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Leadership: In an era when polarization, partisanship and poltroonery stand out in Congress, the passing of Rep. Henry Hyde is a reminder that politics can still be a higher calling. Rest in peace.
First elected in 1974, the Illinois congressman made his mark not only because of the sound thinking and brilliant oratory that always drew audiences in Congress, but because of his 32 years of civility in a legislative body that is increasingly uncivil.
“Henry Hyde was a giant,” said Tom Lantos, D-Calif., on learning of Hyde’s death Thursday morning. “His integrity, intelligence and patriotism were of towering proportions. Our deep personal friendship always transcended partisan political considerations and was reminiscent of an era of congressional collegiality.”
A legacy of civility and decency.
And that’s just what one opponent had to say.
Friends also extolled Hyde’s civility, a trait so rare these days it’s seen as an antiquated throwback. “Henry was a student of American history, a constitutional scholar, a thoughtful legislator, and a passionate orator,” said House Republican Leader John Boehner. He praised Hyde for “maintaining the dignity of the House” and “listening intently.”
Considering the divisiveness of the one issue where Hyde made his biggest legislative mark, with the Hyde Amendment banning federal funding for abortion, this was a major accomplishment indeed.
For it was Hyde’s basic decency and soundness as a thinker that made him so effective as a legislator. The respect he earned from both sides of the aisle showed he was about more than just politics.
His willingness to take input from all sides was a big reason why he got his way so often. Partisan intensity alone is like lemon juice; Hyde knew it takes the dilution of compromise and the sweetener of civility to make it into lemonade.
Take the issue for which he’s best known: abortion. Regardless of one’s views, it’s significant that the Hyde Amendment was crafted well enough to win passage in 1976 — and every year since then, even during Democratic majorities.
What a contrast to Congress’ current ineffectiveness. In an atmosphere of insults, MoveOn.org-style fanaticism and Bush Derangement Syndrome, very little of the spirit of Henry Hyde remains.
Pity. We only wish Congress would pause to reflect on Henry Hyde’s legacy. It might learn something about effective legislating, and become a much better place for it, too.
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The Conscience of Addison (albeit raised two blocks from Wrigley Field). An outstanding public servant, both to his constituents and the unborn.
May this fine gentleman RIP.
He will be missed. His death is a loss to the nation..
Prayers for the Family of this Good and Kind Man.
Rest in Peace sir. May God watch your family and loved ones.
Exactly what does that have to do with Henry Hyde’s passing? Hello- In case you hadn’t noticed, we are honoring a man that has passed on here. You could discuss this elsewhere at a different time, could you? Besides, I can’t imagine what it was that GWB did to Linda Tripp! If I remember right, Linda Tripp never blamed him for anything, did she? Well?
Ummm....Are you his judge? I do hate to disappoint you, but I think the only one who can judge Mr. Hyde now is our father in heaven, not you! Grrr..where do some of you Oh-holier-than-thou people get off at judging Mr. Hyde anyway?
I met him 7 years ago; he was quite a kind person. RIP.
Do you want to discuss this here, or somewhere else? Make up your mind!
Now I don’t know whether to say RIP or BIH. Having taken money from and supporting terrorists, being a Jew hater, and from Debbie’s account, resorting to gangster like tactics to shut someone up, leads me to the latter.
“She didn’t want an electable candidate running against Bush so she dumped the Viet Nam story into the pool of man-eaters who surround her. Do I have ANY proof? No.”
Very well written point. Selective dissemination of material from her files must be far more widespread than anyone could compile over the last 4 terms.
I agree. Earlier in this thread I offered condolences to his family and friends. I still offer that. With new information I have to re-assess my personal opinion of Henry Hyde, like I would with any other person.
Rest in Peace.
No, as I said, it’s much better to discuss it at another time. Not now. This is not a debate thread, is it? I thought it was one in which people remember him, and to mourn. It’s better to wait at a different time to rant about his faults!
God Bless RIP
Mr. Hyde.
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