Robert Byrd

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There will be many words spoken in both praise and criticism of Robert Byrd.  His early days in the KKK, his skill as an orator and his fifty plus years as a U.S. senator will all be mentioned.  From all that I’ve read this morning on this man’s life and career, this is the part that struck me.

A lifelong autodidact and a firm believer in continuing education — vocational schools, community colleges, adult education — Mr. Byrd practiced what he preached. While in the U.S. House from 1953 to 1959, he took night classes at law schools. He received a law degree from American University in 1963 and is the only member of Congress to put himself through law school while in office.

As one who returned to university while married with three young children, I can appreciate the amount of effort involved in accomplishing that task.  Good for him.

As for his KKK stint and his initial opposition to the Civil Rights Act, I can understand that Southern upbringing and tradition had much to do with his views on segregation.  Yet, it’s one that taints his record no matter how repentant he might have been in his later years.

UPDATE:

Newsy.com put together a brief video on the senator’s career.

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