[Congressional Record Volume 147, Number 16 (Tuesday, February 6, 2001)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E120]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                 TRIBUTE TO LATE SENATOR ALAN CRANSTON

                                 ______
                                 

                             HON. SAM FARR

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, February 6, 2001

  Mr. FARR of California. Mr. Speaker, today I am proud to pay tribute 
to one of California's finest and most respected Senators, the late 
Alan Cranston.
  Alan Cranston was born in Palo Alto, California, on June 19, 1914. He 
studied at the University of Mexico and then continued at Stanford 
University. While he began his professional career as a news 
correspondent, the international events of that time led him to join 
the United States Army. At the conclusion of the Second World War, he 
left the Army to become President of the United World Federalists. 
This, along with his founding of the California Democratic Council, 
propelled him into the political spotlight. Other positions he held 
during his tenure at the Senate include Chairman of the Committee on 
Veteran Affairs, Chairman of the Gorbachev Foundation, President of the 
United States: Kyrgyz Business Council, and Senior International 
Advisor for Schooner Capitol Corporation.
  Those who know him and worked with him remember his modesty and true 
commitment towards making the world a safer one. Senator Cranston was 
honored with numerous awards for outstanding achievements in the field 
of world security, and for his efforts towards global peace. During his 
24-year Senate career, Senator Cranston had a hand in developing and 
promoting some of the most influential legislative measures considered 
by Congress. His efforts to end the Vietnam War and to improve 
relations with the Soviet Union go unmatched. In addition, he helped 
shape the Senate opinion of the SALT II and START treaties.
  After leaving public office, Alan Cranston continued his fight to 
abolish nuclear weapons. He founded and acted as President of the 
Global Security Institute, enabling citizens to express their concerns 
about security issues. His expertise was frequently sought in treaty 
negotiation and nuclear arms control, and he published many works on 
these issues.
  Mr. Speaker, Alan Cranston did not seek attention for himself nor 
demanded honor, but he deserved it. He honored all living beings by 
serving to promote peace and prevent destruction. Please join me in 
remembering the respectable and truly remarkable man, Sen. Alan 
Cranston. I end with a quote that Senator Cranston carried in his 
wallet for years:

       A leader is best when people barely know he exists, less 
     good when they obey and acclaim him, worse when they fear and 
     despise him. Fail to honor people and they fail to honor you. 
     But of a good leader, when his work is done, his aim 
     fulfilled, they will all say, ``We did this ourselves.''

     

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