[Congressional Record Volume 155, Number 55 (Wednesday, April 1, 2009)]
[Senate]
[Page S4169]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                         REMEMBERING RON SILVER

 Mr. LIEBERMAN. Mr. President, on March 18, the lights were 
dimmed by theatres on Broadway in tribute to a talented actor and a 
passionate patriot. Ron Silver's life was cut short by cancer and, as a 
result, America lost an individual who was not just a marvelous 
entertainer, but an engaged and active citizen.
  I was proud and privileged to call Ron Silver my friend. Everyone who 
knew Ron was impressed by his intelligence, his humor, and his passion. 
He was not the distant celebrity, but rather he was a man of humility 
who possessed great talent.
  Ron's acting ability was recognized in 1988 when he won a Tony Award 
for his performance in the play ``Speed-the-Plow.'' He was known to 
millions of Americans for his roles on television in ``Rhoda'' and more 
recently as the political operative in the ``West Wing.''
  Ron's had a deep and abiding love for America. He took the 
responsibilities of citizenship very seriously and he was active in the 
public square. Ron was one of the cofounders of the Creative Coalition 
that advocated for support for the arts. As Ron once said, ``I'm an 
actor by calling but an activist by inclination.''
  I believe that Ron was a political liberal in the best and truest 
sense of the term. In the aftermath of the 9/11 attack, Ron recognized 
that our progressive values and our national security were most 
threatened by the forces of radical Islamic extremism. He became an 
eloquent and effective advocate in winning the war on terror and 
defending our values and country.
  Some said Ron Silver changed his political orientation. In reality, 
he was entirely consistent in his belief that we can never be 
complacent when the values we cherish are under attack whether at home 
or abroad.
  Although Ron had political differences with some of his old friends, 
it rarely affected their friendships. He understood that people of good 
faith could have political differences and still get along. That 
dynamic is reflected in some of the tributes that I have included at 
the conclusion of my remarks. We can all learn from Ron's example.
  Ron Silver was a passionate patriot who entertained us, moved us and 
made us think. My prayers and wishes are with his family and many 
friends. He was an original and will be sorely missed.

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