[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 153 (2007), Part 5]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 7150]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




                        IN MEMORY OF BOB HATTOY

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. JANE HARMAN

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                       Wednesday, March 21, 2007

  Ms. HARMAN. Madam Speaker, Bob Hattoy was a true American original. 
Sadly, he passed away earlier this month due to AIDS-related 
complications. His passionate voice on social justice and environmental 
issues helped break down barriers and moved the country in a better 
direction.
  Bob's defining trait was his passion. He always fought hard for what 
he believed in--no matter who or what stood in his way. This was 
especially true during his time as the California regional director for 
the Sierra Club. Bob never wavered in fighting for issues such as 
protecting the California desert and preventing offshore drilling along 
the coast. He also worked to change the way the Sierra Club operated, 
putting a more human face on the organization.
  He never shied away from taking on people in power--not even 
Presidents. With his characteristically sharp tongue, he described a 
proposal to name a national forest after former President Reagan was 
like ``naming a day-care center after W.C. Fields.''
  But it was in the debate over AIDS in America where Bob will truly be 
remembered. In many ways, he helped transform the debate and became, as 
he joked, a ``poster boy for AIDS'' in the process.
  In 1992, nearly 2 years after being diagnosed, Bob gave one of the 
most evocative and impassioned speeches at the Democratic National 
Convention. The first person with AIDS to speak at a party convention, 
Bob spoke honestly and frankly to millions of Americans. He became an 
icon in the AIDS movement, and helped change the hearts and minds of 
many.
  I will always remember the unique way he blended this passion for 
progressive issues with a charming sense of humor. It was his wit that 
often won over those who disagreed with him and endeared to him those 
he fought for. Though he will be missed, his legacy, reputation and 
humor will live on.

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