Innermost Thought

"Senator, I served with Jack Kennedy. I knew Jack Kennedy. Jack Kennedy was a friend of mine. Senator, you're no Jack Kennedy."

This is what most people will remember of Lloyd Bentsen. That one moment in history in a Vice Presidential Debate against Dan Quayle where Lloyd Bentsen had had enough of the posturing of the ill-matched Quayle. It's the first thing that came to my mind too. But there is so much more to think of Lloyd Benson. Loyal Friend to those who knew him. Brave and Courageous soldier (He won the Distinguished Flying Cross and the Air Medal with 3 Oak Leaf Clusters.) He was a statesman who was highly respected and regarded by all on both sides of the bench. He was a trusted cabinet member to Bill Clinton as Secretary of the Treasury during a time of prosperity and deficit-free budgets.

I didn't really know him. I'd never met him. I did vote for him though...on a number of occasions. He was my Senator, my statesman. He was my voice in government and my advocate in legislation. I never feared that I wasn't being counted as long as Lloyd Bensen was in my corner. I knew he would speak up for me and speak passionately, knowledgeably, and with a purpose to solving problems for my betterment. Even though I was never rich, or associated with the right lobbies, or a man with oil, Lloyd Bentsen would speak for me.

Under the best of circumstances, the loss of Senator Bentsen's voice would make a void. You could put him against some of the greatest statesmen in our history and he would still measure up. In these trying times where our expectations are so low, I feel his loss even more. Who will take up the sword for me today? Who is left that will guard my liberties and my birthright of democracy and freedom? It is surely not the those who would steal from me to bail out a corporation, or invade my privacy, or send my brothers and sisters to fight an empty, misleading war. With Lloyd Bentsen gone from this world, I feel more than ever the silence. Where is my voice today?

Senator Bentsen, you served us well. I am so grateful for the work of your life. You asked what you could do for your country; and then did more. May you rest in peace. As you move on to the Next and say goodbye to Here, know that we are honored by your service.