Posted on 05/20/2008 7:42:08 PM PDT by SmithL
WASHINGTON, (AP) -- Sen. Robert Byrd's stem-winding opposition to the war in Iraq wasn't in fashion when U.S. troops toppled Saddam Hussein more than five years ago.
Over the course of the war, the West Virginia Democrat, now 90, has become increasingly frail, but the old fire — along with some tears — was back as he kicked off debate on a war funding bill on Tuesday.
Speaking from a wheelchair in only his second speech since falling in February at his Virginia home and suffering other health setbacks, Byrd angrily denounced President Bush for leaving his successor with a "terrible, terrible, awful war."
Byrd, a devout Christian, grew emotional in his frustration: "How long — how long, O Lord, how long? Four thousand, eighty-one American soldiers have died. Died! One can only die once. Over 30,000 U.S. soldiers have been wounded. By the end of 2008, the war in Iraq will have cost over $608 billion."
Byrd, the longest-serving senator in U.S. history, composed himself and continued on, labeling Bush a lame duck and dismissing as "hogwash" the president's claims that Democrats are holding troop funding hostage by adding education benefits for veterans and help for the jobless.
Earlier this year, rumors swirled that fellow Democrats thought Byrd was too feeble to remain at the helm of his cherished Appropriations Committee. Byrd silenced the whispering campaign with a strong performance at a hearing last month.
(Excerpt) Read more at sfgate.com ...
Can’t blame him for getting choked up about his buddy Ted’s likely impending death.
Think of all the Senators this codger has already outlived.
Beautiful. A Klansman invoking the name of God on behalf of a murderer....all on the Senate floor. rofl
This former KKK bum is a prime reason for term and age limits for US politicians. The jerk comes across as a blithering idiot.
The Rats will keep Kennedy in the Senate just as long as they can..just like this old coot Byrd. They will stick a broom stick up him and pretend he is still alive.
We will be well rid of these two old crooks.
I wholeheartedly agree. Half of the senate has mental illness.
Reagan's 2nd term was noticably weaker than his first. We all know why and it was indeed age related.
He’s one sick cookie.
Was there any honest feeling in that solo bravissimo piece of performance art? How would the Dear Man from West Virginia even be able to tell, to know his own feelings?
What a waste of oxygen. I wonder if he wept for Mary Joe Kopechne.
heh heh heh
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