Byrd’s Record Is Nothing to Celebrate

Senator Robert Byrd is being celebrated this week for breaking the record for longest service in the United States Congress. Byrd served six years in the House and another 50 years in the Senate.
For me, I’m going to take a pass on the celebrations. While I wish Senator Byrd well, I don’t think having a job as a legislator for 56 years is anything to celebrate. In fact, I think it’s scandalous.
Being a member of Congress doesn’t make you a member of a special class. There’s no achievement involved. I wish they’d see it that way, and I think it would make for a healthier environment for the republic. You simply won an election. It’s a job that millions of Americans can do, and many can do it—and indeed have done it—better than Senator Byrd.
I don’t see why anyone should make a career of ruling over others. When it’s to be done, it should be done for a modest period of time. There are many more important things to do with one’s life than tell other people what to do. You can start a business or become a teacher, or serve your community in countless ways that more valuable than being a member of Congress.
I also think that any political career that’s worth having is one that will end in defeat. If you’re always on the popular side, then you’re probably not doing much good. Senator Byrd spoke about his regrets in his Congressional career—like voting against the 1964 Civil Right Act. These regrets underscore that Byrd merely followed the popular political winds in his home state. He wasn’t a leader at all, but a follower—and he’s been doing longer than many of his colleagues have been alive.
Notice this clip of Byrd speaking about his regret over the Civil Rights Act vote. He speaks some nonsense over the loss of his grandson, and the epiphany that black people must love their grandchildren as well. Oh dear lord. So this thought never occurred to him? He lived a long life (until being a grandfather) without considering this most basic moral and legal concept. If the people of West Virginia keep sending him to DC, that’s their right, but I see no reason to celebrate 56 years of this garbage.

Posted by on November 19th, 2009 at 2:21 pm


The information in this blog post represents my own opinions and does not contain a recommendation for any particular security or investment. I or my affiliates may hold positions or other interests in securities mentioned in the Blog, please see my Disclaimer page for my full disclaimer.