Biden's statement on the passing of Tom Lantos

[jillan]

February 11, 2008
Press Release

Statement by Senator Joe Biden on the Passing of House Foreign Affairs Committee Chairman Tom Lantos


Washington, DC -- Chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee Joseph R. Biden, Jr. (D-DE) issued the following statement today, honoring the life of House Foreign Affairs Committee Chairman Tom Lantos (D-CA):

“Tom Lantos was one of my closest friends in life. He and his wife Annette, both survivors of the Holocaust, defined the resilience of the human spirit in a way few words can express. He taught me, as Elie Wiesel said, that 'Just as despair can come to one only from other human beings, hope, too, can be given to one only by other human beings.'

“I’ve known Tom and his family for over 30 years. Not only did he honor me by serving as an advisor on the Foreign Relations Committee, but so have his daughter and his grandson. His steadfast commitment to human rights and freedom across the world will live long after today and our nation is stronger for having him be, as he said, 'an American by choice.'

“Tom will be missed by an entire generation of Americans who will never fully understand the sacrifices made to remind our world everyday of our humanity. As Shakespeare wrote, 'He was a man, take him for all in all, I shall not look upon his like again.'

:patriot:

I was heartbroken when I heard the news yesterday.

[gateley]

1. Thank you, P. I did a little research on Lantos last night. We've lost another

great American and supporter of the people.

I'm not surprised he and Joe were close. They're cut from the same cloth.

[Jennifer C]

2. Biden spoke at the memorial service

Very sad...Joe gave a beautiful speech.

[gateley]

3. I would have love to have seen that. I hope it appears on YouTube. nt

[jillan]

4. I just happened to turn on C-Span, and there he was giving that speech.

Absolutely moving. He even had Condi wiping tears from her eyes.

I miss him so much.

[elleng]

5. pirhana, I missed the Condi

tear wipe, but tuned in especially to see/hear Joe. He got a few laughs, as well as tears from Lantos family.

I miss him too, and am thoroughly disgusted with Dem party these days so its good to see one good guy.