[Congressional Record Volume 142, Number 3 (Friday, January 5, 1996)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E29]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




    A TRIBUTE TO AN AMERICAN PATRIOT: BENJAMIN DONALD ROBINSON, JR.

                                 ______


                         HON. DAVID FUNDERBURK

                           of north carolina

                    in the house of representatives

                        Friday, January 5, 1996

  Mr. FUNDERBURK. Mr. Speaker, I want to pay special tribute to Mr. 
Benjamin D. Robinson, Jr., who was one of the greatest Americans I have 
known. He was a constitutionalist and an Americanist and he believed 
that we only have a short time to save this country--this Republic--and 
turn things around before it is too late.
  I would not be in Congress today if it were not for Ben Robinson. He 
helped me get elected in many ways--financial contributions, FFC caps 
and signs, information, and most importantly, his visits, 
encouragement, advice, and counsel.
  Ben Robinson loved children and young people and understood that the 
future of this country rested with them. He set up educational 
scholarships and provided literature for them.
  Ben hoped that my election and that of others like me could help turn 
the tide toward constitutional government. He hoped and dreamed and 
acted tirelessly to do his part with no compromise on his principles. 
No one did more than Ben.
  Betty and I and our daughter Deana loved Ben Robinson. His kindness, 
his consideration, his optimism, his love for his wife and his family 
was truly special.
  We are grateful that we got to know Ben Robinson for as long as we 
did and consider ourselves blessed because we did. I thank God for Ben 
Robinson and only hope that I can live up to his expectations while I 
am in Congress. I don't represent St. Augustine's district in Florida, 
but I will always be Ben Robinson's Congressman.
  Ben Robinson, a potato farmer in Florida, was a great American 
success story. He lived out the American dream, showing that one can 
accomplish with hard work, discipline, sacrifice, and faith in God. He 
was conservative and a patriot who knew the importance of history.
  Ben Robinson was a gentle man with an unmatched vitality for life and 
for the truth. The world is a much better place because of this great 
American. Ben Robinson was my good friend and his spirit will walk with 
in the halls of Congress. I was honored that he participated in the 
swearing-in events for me in Washington last January. Today, on this 
first anniversary of Ben Robinson's death, we thank God for his fine 
example. I send my love, respect, and gratitude to his wife and 
lifetime partner, Mrs. Dorothy Robinson, and to his wonderful family. 
Thank you, Ben. We miss you. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

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