[Congressional Record Volume 153, Number 184 (Tuesday, December 4, 2007)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E2486]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                         TRIBUTE TO HENRY HYDE

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. SUE WILKINS MYRICK

                           of north carolina

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, December 4, 2007

  Mrs. MYRICK. Madam Speaker, I rise to honor the memory of a great 
man, and a dedicated member of this body. Henry Hyde was an esteemed 
colleague, a remarkable orator, and a true statesman. He was uniquely 
able to graciously disagree with other Members at a fundamental level 
without disrespect or contempt. In this sense, he was an example to all 
of us, Republican or Democrat, conservative or liberal. When he spoke 
on this Floor, he spoke deliberately and intelligently, crafting 
numerous policy speeches that will endure well into the future.
  Henry was a devoted advocate for the unborn, and he never wavered on 
this point. For that, I am personally grateful. Much has been said on 
this point, but no one can say it better than Henry himself.
  As he stated during a critical debate on this Floor, ``One of the 
great errors of modern politics is our foolish attempt to separate our 
private consciences from our public acts, and it cannot be done. At the 
end of the 20th century, is the crowning achievement of our democracy 
to treat the weak, the powerless, the unwanted, as things? To be 
disposed of? If so, we have not elevated justice; we have disgraced 
it''.
  Henry Hyde was not a perfect man, and like the rest of us, I imagine 
he was sometimes inclined to become angry and unpleasant when 
confronted with the frustrating issues that make our days here in 
Congress so interesting. But I always respected Henry for maintaining 
an honorable demeanor, even in the midst of emotionally charged 
disagreements. In the spirit of our country's great orators, he knew 
that we don't promote a real debate with nastiness and sound bites, but 
with thoughtful consideration and a deep understanding of the issues at 
hand.
  My heart goes out to his family during this difficult time. Surely 
they can appreciate the impact that Henry Hyde made on this chamber. 
I'm honored to have an opportunity to express my gratitude to a man 
whose public service changed this country for the better.

                          ____________________