[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 152 (2006), Part 9]
[Senate]
[Pages 12451-12452]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




            HONORING BARBARA HAWKINS: A PILLAR OF JOURNALISM

  Mr. BYRD. Mr. President, when I was a boy growing up in Mercer 
County, WV, I made it a point to read the Bluefield Daily Telegraph. 
That was more than a few years ago, but I have not stopped reading the 
Bluefield newspaper. It is a strong instrument of information and 
education in the southern coalfields of West Virginia.
  That paper has been fortunate to publish the insights and analysis of 
many fine reporters. One of the best is Barbara Hawkins, who has 
announced her retirement after three decades of service. She is not 
only one of the best reporters from the Bluefield paper; she also is 
one of the best reporters to walk the hills of West Virginia.
  Local news media represent a community's window on the school board, 
city council, and county commission, the State legislature, and the 
Congress. The local media, more than any other resource, educate people 
about the issues that directly affect their lives. Barbara Hawkins 
knows, better than most, how vital a reporter's job is. She understands 
that newspapers are an instrument to inform the public about the issues 
and events that affect their daily lives.
  Through her work, Barbara Hawkins served as a teacher and a 
counselor, a defender of right and a pursuer of wrong, an advocate, a 
champion, and a friend to all in southern West Virginia.
  Now, after three decades of service, Barbara has decided to retire 
from daily reporting. But, as much as we would expect, she is not 
giving up the art of writing and informing. Her columns and special 
projects will continue, allowing all of us to learn from her insights 
and her experiences.
  Most of Barbara's work at the newspaper was in the public eye. But, 
more than anything else, Barbara's strength came from her deep devotion 
to her family. We have all walked the terrible journey with her after 
her daughter, Pam, was taken from this world, a victim of domestic 
violence more than 20 years ago. Barbara has never been shy about that 
loss nor about her efforts to prevent that shattering experience from 
touching other families. But what is not in the headlines is Barbara's 
incredible commitment to her daughter, Kimberleigh, her granddaughter, 
Pami, and all of the members of her family. While her work at the paper 
may be a great love of Barbara's, it pales in comparison to her love of 
family. Barbara's family is her source of strength and inspiration, now 
and always.
  On a personal level, I will miss reading Barbara's daily reporting. I 
made a habit of looking for her byline. She has always shown a keen 
insight into not only southern West Virginia but also statewide and 
national issues. Her instincts, her institutional knowledge, and her 
commentary have always caused me, like so many others, to stop and 
think and to consider alternate approaches. Her commitment to the 
greater good in society is something for each of us to emulate.
  I have often said that as long as there is a forum in which questions 
can be asked by men and women who do not stand in awe of a chief 
executive and one can speak as long as one's feet will allow one to 
stand, the liberties of the American people will be secure. That forum 
is this Senate. But the same can be said of the news media--the 
newspapers, radio stations, television stations, and other outlets that 
provide information that is important to the lives of all Americans. 
Freedom of the press is a key of this Republic. Without it, the 
American people can be led to disaster without so much as a whisper. 
Their freedoms can be trampled; their rights can be subverted.
  Barbara Hawkins defended that freedom. She exercised it every single 
day. And all of us are better for her work.
  I thank Barbara for her many years of service to the people of West 
Virginia and wish her well in the challenges that certainly are ahead 
of her in her life's journey.

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