[Congressional Record Volume 150, Number 11 (Tuesday, February 3, 2004)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E98]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                       TRIBUTE TO DOLORES DICKMAN

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. DIANA DeGETTE

                              of colorado

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, February 3, 2004

  Ms. DeGETTE. Mr. Speaker, I would like to recognize the wonderful 
life and exceptional accomplishments of a remarkable woman in the 1st 
Congressional District of Colorado. It is both fitting and proper that 
we recognize this distinguished citizen for her impressive record of 
civic leadership and invaluable service. It is to commend this eminent 
citizen that I rise to honor Dolores Dickman.
  Dolores Dickman has been on the front lines of progress for decades 
and has proven to be a potent force in transforming the landscape of 
our city and State. Her indomitable spirit has sustained her through 
many challenges and molded a life of notable accomplishment. Dolores 
came to our community from her native Kansas and graduated from the 
University of Denver. She has used her talents and skills to advance 
the public good and the well being of working men and women. She has 
been a political activist, labor leader and has remained in the 
vanguard of those dedicated to economic and social justice. Dolores was 
the first woman State director of the Committee on Political Action for 
the AFL-CIO and was a powerful advocate for the rights of working 
people and the well being of our families. Some of us do not comprehend 
how far we've come. There was a time when fundamental decency and 
equity for working people were not part of our shared values. Dolores 
worked along side Ceasar Chavez, brought food to striking workers and 
has engaged in the struggles that have improved the human condition. At 
the international level, Histadrut has honored her for her immeasurable 
contributions to the labor movement in Israel. For all of her efforts 
in this regard, we owe Dolores a great debt of gratitude.
  Those who know Dolores know that politics matter. She is well known 
for her outspoken commentary and years of service to the Democratic 
Party. She marched in Selma for the civil liberties of all people. She 
took a seat on a plane next to Martin Luther King, Jr. to share her 
thoughts and visited then President John F. Kennedy at the White House. 
She has recruited notable civic leaders for public office and has been 
instrumental in winning many local, State and national elections. 
Dolores has been the recipient of numerous public honors and has been 
characterized as the ``grand dame of North Denver politics'' and a 
political ``powerhouse.'' While all of these truly reflect the standing 
and regard in which we hold Dolores, I would simply add that she has 
the rare ability to balance pragmatism and high purpose, which is 
uncommon among those engaged in public life. She knows that politics is 
not easy nor has it ever been. Dolores has perspective--she knows that 
the contest is never over and the field is never quite taken. I 
remember Dolores referencing in a Denver Post column that all the 
political posturing in the world doesn't mean squat if people don't 
vote. As usual, Dolores cuts to the heart of the matter. She 
understands what is vital to our democracy as well as what is important 
in the calculus of public affairs.
  The contributions of Dolores Dickman are rich in consequence and on 
behalf of the citizens of the 1st Congressional District of Colorado, I 
wish to express our gratitude. Her service, accomplishments and civic 
virtue command our respect and admiration. Please join me in paying 
tribute to Dolores Dickman, a distinguished citizen. It is the values, 
leadership and commitment she exhibits on a daily basis that serve to 
build a better future for all Americans.

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