[Congressional Record Volume 145, Number 98 (Tuesday, July 13, 1999)]
[Senate]
[Page S8401]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                       TRIBUTE TO MEG GREENFIELD

 Ms. MIKULSKI. Mr. President, I rise today to reflect on the 
passing of a truly remarkable woman: Washington Post Editorial Page 
Editor Meg Greenfield. A tough, tenacious and trailblazing woman, Ms. 
Greenfield had a sharp intellect, a vibrant sense of humor, and a keen 
political instinct.
  Meg Greenfield was at the center of many of Washington's 
intellectual, cultural and political developments in the past three 
decades. Her fiercely independent eye for news gave her the ability to 
cultivate relationships with individuals from every political, cultural 
and economic background. Her insightful portraits of life in our 
nation's capital were profound and memorable.
  Ms. Greenfield forever changed the access and acceptance women have 
in the field of journalism. She astutely examined tough issues such as 
global disarmament and international affairs which were traditionally 
seen as ``male'' issues. She commanded respect and demanded fairness 
and impartiality from her staff.
  In 1978, Ms. Greenfield moved the world with her commentary on issues 
of international affairs, civil rights and the press. For her efforts 
she claimed the much coveted Pulitzer Prize for editorial writing. One 
year later, she moved into the post of Editor for the Washington Post 
editorial page. A responsibility she undertook with dignity, grace, a 
keen wit and what she would call ``the sensibility of 1950s liberals--
conservative on foreign policy and national defense, but liberal on 
social issues'' for over 20 years.
  For these and many other reasons I admired Meg Greenfield and her 
vastly important work. She also played a critical role in my own 
career. When I ran for the United States Senate, I met with the 
Washington Post editorial board, and I had heard about the tough, no-
nonsense Meg Greenfield. I was very impressed with her, and she 
believed in me and my ideas for Maryland.
  The endorsement I received from the Washington Post in the 1986 
Democratic primary was a turning point in the campaign. I was running 
against two very good friends of mine: the terrific Congressman from 
Montgomery County, Mike Barnes, and Maryland's Governor Harry Hughes. 
The confidence and support I received from Meg Greenfield and the Post 
editorial board gave me pride and momentum, and helped lead me to 
victory.
  Meg Greenfield's colleagues at the editorial page wrote the day after 
her death, ``The anonymity typical of editorial pages could not 
disguise the hand of Meg Greenfield. As a writer her work was often 
instantly recognizable . . . for its felicity and stateliness and not 
least for its wry and mischievous humor. As an editor she imprinted her 
special blend of a wise skepticism and a reach for the public good on a 
long generation of Post editorials.'' In this tribute, they describe 
not only her as the consummate professional, but as the wonderful and 
caring woman that she was.
  Meg Greenfield will be dearly missed in the many circles of 
Washington life. Her spirit and legacy will inspire us for years to 
come.

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