Robert Matsui has died...

[Stargleamer]

Robert Matsui died today.

He was one of California's better representatives, someone who I felt I could generally rely on to cast the right votes, votes in the best interest of those struggling the most in this country.

Strange how recently I came across Michelle Malkin's idiotic defense of the internment of Japanese-Americans, of which Matsui was one. Then today I was looking at a book at Borders written by one of the internees, John Okada, and entitled "No-No Boy".

People forget that in California the hatred toward Japanese-Americans during WW2 was palpable.

Sacramentans and interested others check in with comments.

RIP, Robert Matsui.

<http://story.news.yahoo.com/news?tmpl=story&u=/afp/uscongressjapanmatsui>

[StephanieMarie]

1. Very sad.

Do you think the repugs will orchestrate a "surprise" takeover of his seat in the special election? They think they got away with it on Nov. 2, you know...

[autorank]

2. One of our very best and very brightest.

He lived his liberal political beliefs by showing individuals respect and creating a positive environment for his staff. He was honest and dedicated. He could have been a multi millionaire several times over if he'd left public office, yet he chose to stay. He was a living reminder to all Californians (I'm a native) of our great shame for the internment (and the theft of the internee's land and property!).

Thank you for your service to our country and the Democratic Party.

[merci_me]

3. What a profound loss

to his family, friends, colleagues and our country.

Thank you for caring enough to serve, Congressman Matsui. You will be greatly missed. Rest in Peace.

Mary

[DCdem87]

4. May he rest in peace.

I hope we can honor what he stood for in congress by electing another great Progressive Democrat to take his place.

[genius]

5. There is a comment up about him at the patrickhenrythinktank.org site

The PHDC remembers progressive Democratic U.S. Representative Robert Matsui from California, who passed away on Jan 1. His passing will be a great loss to Congress.

[genius]

6. I remember him. He was a really great guy

It's really sad that we've lost him.

[robertarctor]

7. He was my representative

And whenever he'd see my mother-in-law, who worked in the Capitol until a year ago, Bob Matsui would ask her how her family out in Sacramento was doing. He really will be missed here. A genuine class act.