Posted on 08/20/2010 6:45:10 PM PDT by DollyCali
Thanks to FReeper libbylu
Congressman Billybob has died.
ACRU Mourns the Passing of John Armor
John Armor”John was a great American, a dear friend and a champion of liberty,” says Susan Carleson, CEO and Chairman of the American Civil Rights Union. “He will be sorely missed.”
On August 20, 2010, ACRU Senior Legal Counsel John Armor passed away in a North Carolina hospital, following cancer surgery. He had appeared to be in full recovery, so his death was a shock to family and friends.
Armor, a graduate of Yale University and the University of Maryland School of Law, had a long and distinguished career, practicing before the U.S. Supreme Court for 33 years and authoring eight books and hundreds of articles. His latest book, These Are the Times That Try Men’s Souls: America Then and Now in the Words of Tom Paine (ACRU 2010), is being released in early September.
“It was a blessing that he got to see it, hold it in his hands,” Carleson said.
These Are The Times That Try Men’s Souls A favorite at the Conservative Political Action Conference (CPAC) and Tea Party events, especially in North Carolina where he lived, Armor dressed in colonial garb and impersonated Benjamin Franklin, explaining the origins of American liberties to 21st Century audiences. Some of his performances can be seen on YouTube.
“John was one of the first people that my husband Bob [Carleson] brought on board at the ACRU when there was no money, just great spirit,” said Carleson, who met Armor when they worked together on the National Commission of the Bicentennial of the Constitution in 1986. “He has been a delight to work with and will be sorely missed. This is a deep loss to his wife Michelle, to his children, his friends and his colleagues at the ACRU.”
Armor, who was one of the few attorneys to write an amicus brief in the presidential election case in 2000, was a well known legal scholar of American politics, particularly third party movements. He represented Eugene McCarthy during the Minnesota Senator’s challenge of Lyndon Baines Johnson’s presidency in 1968.
“John was also the first to figure out the constitutional basis of recalling federal officials,” Carleson said. “That led to the ACRU’s current campaign, RecallCongressNow.org, to educate Americans about the laws in 11 states that allow for recall as a way to ensure greater accountability.”
For the past several years, Armor wrote the weekly “ACLU Outrages” feature for the ACRU’s Website. “John had his finger on the pulse of the ACLU, tracking their misdeeds and writing amusing and disturbing accounts,” Carleson said. “He said he never worried about finding material, because the ACLU’s absurd stances came as reliably as ‘the rain falling on the fields of Ireland.’”
Susan Carleson, Chairman, CEO
He was one of the stalwarts around here-—ever since I can remember.
This is a tremendous loss to us all, and most importantly to his family. RIP Mr. Armor.
Thank God for Congressman BillyBob!
May God hold him in the palm of his hand.
I just can’t believe this! He was so upbeat after his cancer surgery, all the lymph nodes were clear. Something must have gone very wrong. He was planning to walk down Constitution Avenue on 9/11 dressed as Benjamin Franklin.
Prayers for all Congressman BillyBob’s family. His contributions were always fascinating. A true Patriot.
Thank you, Dolly for posting this tribute.
You will be missed.
RIP BillyBob
May God comfort your family throughout this difficult time, in Jesus name, amen.
Congressman BillyBob was a tremendous asset and blessing to the conservative movement, Free Republic and everyone who reads Free Republic. He was wise, politically, legally and constitutionally astute and had a wonderful sense of humor. The one thing I will always remember is the tremendous ability he had to make complex legal and constitutional matters and issues understandable to the masses.
You have our heartfelt condolences.
RIP John
R.I.P., John. Prayers for your family!
RIP John. Your great insight was truly appreciated.
RIP, Mr. Armor
God Bless You BillyBob!
I’m stunned. Earlier this week I responded to his post about how important it is to get tested for colon and prostate cancer.
When Jerry Agar was on the air in KC, I used to treasure the times Jerry brought Congressman BillyBob on the air for commentary.
RIP and prayers for his family and loved ones.
You will be missed, Congressman BillyBob
Mark
I can’t seem to keep water out of my eyes tonight, so I don’t know if this has been linked yet, but here’s John doing Ben Franklin. He wrote his script and delivered it well:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2Xa6rbgq1lw&feature=related
You are already missed.
May the Lord bless your family, and keep them in the consolations of His heavenly peace and great love.
God bless, BillyBob. Prayers for your family and friends. RIP
May his family and close friends have peace during these sorrowful days. May they also rest knowing he is walking with Our Lord, free from pain and illness. He was surely happily received in Heaven.
Thanks Doli! Prayers up!
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