[Congressional Record Volume 147, Number 26 (Thursday, March 1, 2001)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E257]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                    HONORING LUTHER F. (GUS) BLIVEN

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. JAMES T. WALSH

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, March 1, 2001

  Mr. WALSH. Mr. Speaker, the people of Central New York lost their 
personal reporter last Sunday in Syracuse. Let me emphasize the word 
their because Luther F. (Gus) Bliven was that person for every day of 
his 71 year career with the Syracuse Post Standard.
  For someone to work for the same employer over a 71 year span is 
remarkable in itself. But to have earned both the respect and trust of 
the people who read your work over that same time frame is the 
trademark of greatness. Gus Bliven covered the state legislature in 
Albany for almost 50 years. During that time frame he reported on seven 
governors, hundreds of state legislators, countless hearings and more 
all night sessions then he ever wished. He was a ``reporters reporter'' 
as he developed the earned reputation of a no-nonsense but fair writer. 
He expected honest answers to his questions and when he got them the 
story reflected it. If he felt the response was less than truthful the 
story reflected that as well. You didn't want to ever be in that 
category.
  Gus covered my father when he was mayor of Syracuse. They didn't 
always agree but they respected one another as strait-shooters. My 
father paid him a high compliment when he said that Gus Bliven was the 
best but toughest reporter he had ever known.
  On Wednesday, February 28, 2001, this fine newspaperman was laid to 
rest. I won't be at his funeral because the House is in session 
requiring me to be here in Washington, but many people will join to say 
farewell to this news legend from Central New York. It almost seems 
fitting that as Christians begin the season of Lent, known as a time of 
getting closer to the Lord, Gus Bliven starts his journey home to God. 
He would have enjoyed this parallel.

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