Born on this date, November 20, in 1917. U.S. Senator from West Virginia.

[bigtree]

NOVEMBER 1806
ANOTHER year!--another deadly blow!
Another mighty Empire overthrown!
And We are left, or shall be left, alone;
The last that dare to struggle with the Foe.
'Tis well! from this day forward we shall know
That in ourselves our safety must be sought;
That by our own right hands it must be wrought;
That we must stand unpropped, or be laid low.
O dastard whom such foretaste doth not cheer!
We shall exult, if they who rule the land
Be men who hold its many blessings dear,
Wise, upright, valiant; not a servile band,
Who are to judge of danger which they fear,
And honour which they do not understand.

-William Wordsworth

[Career Prole]

1. Happy Birthday, Senator Byrd!

Our staunchest defender of liberty...may you live to see the return of brighter days...
God bless you, sir!
:yourock:
:party: :party: :party: :party: :party: :party:

[KlatooBNikto]

2. Senator Byrd, it is an honor to wish you a happy birthday. I tell my

children and grandchildren that they are fortunate to be living in this country of ours when a true American giant lived among us and shared his wisdom and courage with us.I would have given up hope for our country were it not for that lone courageous voice of yours that stirred my pride when the Iraq debacle was unfolding.

May God Bless you, sir.

[anamandujano]

3. Happy Birthday Bob!

xoxoxoxoxo

[Yupster]

4. Happy Birthday Senator Byrd

Please retire.

[goclark]

5. Happy Birthday to a REAL Statesman!

[bigtree]

6. We are truly "sleepwalking through history."

Robert Byrd, at age 8, with his foster father, Titus Dalton Byrd


Senator Byrd, at age 13, showing his musical talents


US Senator Robert Byrd
Snips from Senate Floor Speech-

"We stand passively mute in the United States Senate, paralyzed by our own uncertainty, seemingly stunned by the sheer turmoil of events. Only on the editorial pages of our newspapers is there much substantive discussion of the prudence or imprudence of engaging in this particular war."

And this is no small conflagration we contemplate. This is no simple attempt to defang a villain. No. This coming battle, if it materializes, represents a turning point in U.S. foreign policy and possibly a turning point in the recent history of the world.

This nation is about to embark upon the first test of a revolutionary doctrine applied in an extraordinary way at an unfortunate time. The doctrine of preemption -- the idea that the United States or any other nation can legitimately attack a nation that is not imminently threatening but may be threatening in the future -- is a radical new twist on the traditional idea of self defense. It appears to be in contravention of international law and the UN Charter. And it is being tested at a time of world-wide terrorism, making many countries around the globe wonder if they will soon be on our -- or some other nation's -- hit list. High level Administration figures recently refused to take nuclear weapons off of the table when discussing a possible attack against Iraq. What could be more destabilizing and unwise than this type of uncertainty, particularly in a world where globalism has tied the vital economic and security interests of many nations so closely together? There are huge cracks emerging in our time-honored alliances, and U.S. intentions are suddenly subject to damaging worldwide speculation. Anti-Americanism based on mistrust, misinformation, suspicion, and alarming rhetoric from U.S. leaders is fracturing the once solid alliance against global terrorism which existed after September 11.

We are truly "sleepwalking through history." In my heart of hearts I pray that this great nation and its good and trusting citizens are not in for a rudest of awakenings."

http://www.truthout.com/docs_02/021403A.htm