May 22, 2009
BYRD'S EYE VIEW: Congratulations to The Class of 2009
From the Desk of U.S. Sen. Robert C. Byrd, D-WV
During the months of May and June, thousands of young men and women in West Virginia are graduating from high school and college. To the class of 2009, I extend my heartiest congratulations on this momentous day in your lives and I wish for you much success in your future endeavors.
As you contemplate the paths that you may tread in the years ahead, I would like to offer a suggestion. Why not a career in public service?
Often, public opinion ranks politics at about the same level as sin and hay fever, with hay fever leading by a nose. Politicians are the favorite target of editorial writers and late night comedians. But after six decades in public office, I can tell you that the vast majority of public servants I have known have been good, honest, dedicated men and women.
In fact, the pages of American history books are filled with the names of our country=s best and brightest who found a career in politics or government. Some, like George Washington and Theodore and Franklin Roosevelt, hailed from wealthy American families.
John Quincy Adams left his position as a Harvard professor to serve in the United States Congress and then became President of the United States. Dr. Woodrow Wilson was the author of a number of important books on government, and president of Princeton University when he entered politics.
The political realm is where desire and determination can spur average citizens to accomplish extraordinary feats. Even a person with little governing experience, like George Washington, became one of the greatest presidents our country has experienced, helping to inspire our early Republic. A country lawyer named Abraham Lincoln, as president, became the Great Emancipator, the savior of the Union, and one of the most brilliant and eloquent American politicians. Franklin Roosevelt, as president, led our country through a Great Depression and a World War with such warmth, humanity, and sense of history that he became a universal symbol of resolve and strength. Obviously public service, more often than not, brings out the best, not the worst, in its participants.
Never has our country needed talented, committed leaders more than we do today. Government is only as good as the people who are willing to give their time and energies. That kind of service always means sacrifice, but few things can be more rewarding than helping your fellow citizens and serving our Constitution and our flag. To paraphrase President John F. Kennedy, perhaps your future lies in asking what you can do for your country? Politics and public service may be the answer.
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BYRD'S EYE VIEW: Congratulations to The Class of 2009
From the Desk of U.S. Sen. Robert C. Byrd, D-WV
During the months of May and June, thousands of young men and women in West Virginia are graduating from high school and college. To the class of 2009, I extend my heartiest congratulations on this momentous day in your lives and I wish for you much success in your future endeavors.
As you contemplate the paths that you may tread in the years ahead, I would like to offer a suggestion. Why not a career in public service?
Often, public opinion ranks politics at about the same level as sin and hay fever, with hay fever leading by a nose. Politicians are the favorite target of editorial writers and late night comedians. But after six decades in public office, I can tell you that the vast majority of public servants I have known have been good, honest, dedicated men and women.
In fact, the pages of American history books are filled with the names of our country=s best and brightest who found a career in politics or government. Some, like George Washington and Theodore and Franklin Roosevelt, hailed from wealthy American families.
John Quincy Adams left his position as a Harvard professor to serve in the United States Congress and then became President of the United States. Dr. Woodrow Wilson was the author of a number of important books on government, and president of Princeton University when he entered politics.
The political realm is where desire and determination can spur average citizens to accomplish extraordinary feats. Even a person with little governing experience, like George Washington, became one of the greatest presidents our country has experienced, helping to inspire our early Republic. A country lawyer named Abraham Lincoln, as president, became the Great Emancipator, the savior of the Union, and one of the most brilliant and eloquent American politicians. Franklin Roosevelt, as president, led our country through a Great Depression and a World War with such warmth, humanity, and sense of history that he became a universal symbol of resolve and strength. Obviously public service, more often than not, brings out the best, not the worst, in its participants.
Never has our country needed talented, committed leaders more than we do today. Government is only as good as the people who are willing to give their time and energies. That kind of service always means sacrifice, but few things can be more rewarding than helping your fellow citizens and serving our Constitution and our flag. To paraphrase President John F. Kennedy, perhaps your future lies in asking what you can do for your country? Politics and public service may be the answer.
Share This Story:
Make HNN Your Homepage (IE Users Only)
