[Congressional Record Volume 149, Number 176 (Tuesday, December 9, 2003)]
[Senate]
[Page S16114]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]



  (At the request of Mr. Daschle, the following statement was ordered 
to be printed in the Record.)

                 IN REMEMBRANCE OF JOHN PATRICK HUNTER

 Mr. FEINGOLD. Mr. President, today, I pay tribute to John 
Patrick Hunter, a respected journalist and a dear friend.
  After growing up in Depression-era West Virginia, witnessing the 
aftermath of Hiroshima, and the paranoia of the McCarthy era, John 
Patrick used his opposition to war and fierce defense of civil 
liberties to fuel his passion for journalism. For nearly half a 
century, John Patrick served as a reporter and editor for the Capital 
Times in Madison, WI. He challenged politicians and policies, but at 
the same time made many friends and established lasting bonds along the 
way.
  After serving in the Navy during World War II, John Patrick attended 
the University of Wisconsin on the GI Bill and earned his degree. He 
joined the Capital Times in 1951 and that is where he stayed until his 
retirement in 1995.
  John Patrick will forever be remembered for his work during the 
turbulent McCarthy era. Many were silenced by McCarthyism but John 
Patrick took action. For his July 4 assignment in 1951, John Patrick 
asked people to sign a petition he had put together using only the 
Declaration of Independence and the Bill of Rights. One hundred twelve 
refused out of fear of what might happen to them, 20 called John 
Patrick a communist, and only one signed. After the story broke 
nationally, President Harry Truman heralded John Patrick's efforts.
  And as far as my own personal good fortune in knowing John Patrick, 
he asked me tough question for over 20 years. When I would give him a 
feisty answer, he would grin and I always felt buoyed by the unofficial 
but potent encouragement of Wisconsin's glorious progressive legacy.
  My condolences go out to John Patrick's wife Merry and his entire 
family. His unparalleled contributions to Wisconsin journalism will 
never be forgotten.

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