[Congressional Record Volume 153, Number 171 (Tuesday, November 6, 2007)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E2329]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


[[Page E2329]]
                        TRIBUTE TO MIKE KESSLER

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. FORTNEY PETE STARK

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, November 6, 2007

  Mr. STARK. Madam Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to Mike 
Kessler, who died on October 4, 2007 after a short illness. Mike was an 
active member of his community and a zealous political activist. I will 
always be thankful to Mike and his wife, Lillian, because they 
encouraged me to run for Congress.
  Mike, a longtime political activist, was born in the College Point 
area of Brooklyn, New York on September 9, 1916. He married Lillian 
Hecht in 1941 and was drafted into the U.S. Army in 1942 where he 
served until 1945.
  In the late 1940's Mike and Lillian moved to the west coast, where he 
earned a degree in Education, started a family, and worked as a 
furniture sales representative. Despite their active personal and 
professional lives, he and Lillian always found time to champion the 
civil rights and social justice causes important to them.
  Mike achieved many impressive and diverse goals while working as a 
political activist. As part of the Hayward Demos' response to incidents 
of racial discrimination, Mike campaigned for adoption of the ``No Room 
for Racism'' resolution. Because of his efforts, the ``No Room for 
Racism'' placard is now proudly displayed in many cities and schools 
throughout California. He challenged the Patriot Act, which he said was 
not only racist but would curb the rights of many citizens. He also 
advocated for a U.S. stamp in recognition of Paul Robeson. Most 
recently, Mike was an outspoken advocate for a single payer health care 
system.
  Mike was a lifelong Democrat and was never shy about his politics or 
seeking justice for those forgotten members of the community who could 
not advocate for themselves. His intensity, while sometimes 
overwhelming, did not obscure his sincerity and desire to help create a 
better world for all, regardless of race or creed.
  Mike Kessler's constant activism and dedicated efforts to make a 
difference will be missed and long remembered. On November 17, 2007, 
Mike's family and friends will gather to celebrate his life. It was a 
life well lived where he provided hope, promise and recognition to 
many. He left his mark on the world and his light will continue to 
shine.

                          ____________________