Today, we can feel the pain of nearly 2 million West Virginians as they mourn the passing of someone we see as the longest serving Member of Congress and a political giant.  But to those he served, Senator Robert Byrd was much more than a political figure.  He was the bread winner for an entire state wracked by the number 1 killer of people around the world – poverty.

To many in West Virginia Senator Byrd will be remembered as the man who put food on their tables and provided opportunities for the advancement out of or contribution to a largely inescapable region of our country.  It is not uncommon to run into a West Virginian who was born in Robert Byrd Hospital, attended the Robert Byrd Elementary School, played Friday night football under the lights of Senator Byrd Stadium and drives to work each day on the Robert Byrd Freeway.  And for those who have no connection to an institution named after this nation’s longest serving Senator, there is still no doubt in their minds whom they can at least partially thank for their opportunities.

Over the course of 58 years in Congress and a tenure as Chairman of the Senate Appropriations Committee, Senator Byrd was able to funnel Billions of dollars back home to his constituents.  To his political enemies (and even his friends) he was known as a master of securing Washington “pork.”  But to those back home it wasn’t so much pork as it was often times a job and a livelihood.   Yet, whether you’re a constituent of the Senator or merely see Robert Byrd through the lens of a political observer, I think it would do us all a great deal of good to take a step back and learn from Senator Byrd’s life and contributions.

As I write this the Senate Judiciary Committee has commenced the great American ritual of skewering Supreme Court Nominees.  Over the course of the next couple of days we’ll see Senators representing varying sects of America’s political culture ask questions both relevant and irrelevant if only to position themselves among some flank of America’s ideological spectrum.  And by the time I leave the office I will no doubt see both Democrats and Republicans mischaracterize and demonize each other in an attempt to retain or regain control of Congress, further perpetuating the cycle of cynicism over our politics that is slowly and subversively killing the American dream we’ve come to know for ourselves and those who will follow in our footsteps.

It is with that thought that I ask each of us to consider the life of Robert Byrd.  For he was not just a man who was an active member of the Ku Klux Klan and a Senator who joined Southern resistance to Civil Rights legislation, but also a man who was lionized after his opposition to the Iraq War and one who literally defied prayers for his death during the health care reform debate.  And did I mention he endorsed President Obama after Hillary dominated Barack in the West Virginia primary in 2008 by like 30 points?

Robert Byrd epitomized what it should mean to be an American political figure.  He made mistakes and readily admitted that he was often, as we all are, a victim of the ideology of our times.  Yet he had the will to grow and develop his thoughts while not forgetting the people back home who elected him to a lifetime of achievement in the United States Congress.

Our elected officials and those who work with them need to remember that it’s ok to have differing views as long as the needs of the people are not being ignored for political expediency.  That you can make decisions that might not win you points within a media and political culture that both encourages and rewards shortsightedness, but over the course of a career truly dedicated to the public’s service you can have an enormous and positive impact on the lives of people and it is that for which you’ll be revered or forgotten.

What a decade it has been for the political.  From “Captain Earth-melt” Al Gore conceding the 2000 election to George W. Bush and the subsequent butchery of the English language that followed, to an historic 2008 Presidential campaign, tea baggers, and an aura of tomfoolery that grasped onto our politicians and just would not let go.  The 00s had it all, baby, and I’m not talking to you John Edwards’ bastard child! Without further interruption the Top Ten Political Snafus of the 00s…

#10         The Scream heard round the world

At the end of his concession speech following the 2004 Iowa caucus Governor Howard Dean let out a scream some of us still hear in our dreams.   After rounding the lower 48 apparently Governor Dean, MD had a plan to go to DC, take back the white house and scare the holy shit out of children everywhere.

#9           Client #9

Although I no longer live, there New York is my home.  And after struggling through three terms of Governor George Pataki I was delighted when New Yorkers elected Mr. Clean himself, Eliot Spitzer, Governor in 2006.  There he remained until his public name changed from Governor of New York to Client #9…and this one still stings.

This adorable nine year old explains the situation.

#8           The wolves had a better shot

America’s #1 genius, former Governor Sarah Palin of Alaska appeared in Wasilla on November 20, 2008 to partake in an American politician’s favorite pastime – pardoning a Turkey.  While the ceremony may have won the Pabst Blue Ribbon seal of approval from a few Joe Average, New Yorkers and the Midwestern Wal Mart demographic alike grimaced in horror as a turkey had its neck ground to smithereens on live TV.

#7           John Stewart – a People’s Champion

No he isn’t a politician.  He’s a comedian that hosts a parody news program on a cable network.  Yet somehow he may have been the only person in the 00s to head to a 24/7 news network show and tell the pundits of the decade, to their face, that they’re nothing more than hacks providing opinion under the veil of news to an overworked, underpaid and vulnerable American public.

#6           Senator “Macaca” hits the campaign trail

During the contentious and monumental 2006 campaign season the son of an ex-football coach and Reagan enthusiast brought new terminology to the American racial scene – Macaca.  There’s nothing like trying to rile up an electorate by making fun of the one guy who doesn’t look like everyone else.  Unless he’s the one holding the camera.

#5           Not your Father’s Appalachia

Governor Mark Sanford (R-SC) went “hiking in the Appalachians” in June 2006.  As it turned out the Appalachians must have been the nickname of his Argentinean mistress’ most prized assets.  The best part of this ordeal?  Not the painfully embarrassing confession but Keith Olbermann’s rendition of Mr. Sanford’s steamy emails.  See Keith read Mr. Sanford’s “pearls of wisdom” at the: 51 mark.

#4           Bush dodges Shoes

Twinkle toes starts thinking quickly on his feet for the first time in his Presidency during a December 14, 2008 news conference in Iraq.

*Author’s note to shoe tosser – You, sir, fucked up royally.  You had an opportunity to smack W upside the head with a size 8 Iraqi loafer and you blew it.  AND YOU GOT OFF TWO SHOES?

#3           Dick Cheney shot a guy in the face gate

Did you know that on February 15, 2006 our former torture-loving, baby-eating Vice President once shot a guy in the mug while hunting for quail?  Haha of course you did because you bought the t-shirt!

John Stewart breaks it down in this clip.

#2           Folksy guy supports wife with cancer by banging his videographer, spawns love child

A former United States Senator, two-time Presidential contender and Kenneth Parcell lookalike.  A champion of the working class and those struggling to get above the poverty line.  Also, apparently a HUGE douche.  With funds from his campaign he essentially paid a mistress hush money and was busted visiting his new baby at a hotel by the National Enquirer.  Keep it classy, John.  And while you’re at it keep that marble mouthed, deep-fried southern bullshit you call an apology to yourself because you sir are a disappointment.

#1           Mission Accomplished?

With a giant banner reading “Mission Accomplished” across the command deck, President George W. Bush strapped on his best Maverick costume and somehow did NOT crash land a jet onto the deck of the USS Lincoln on May 2, 2003.  This event was the epitome of political.  Drama?  Check.  President in pilot suit? Check.  The President supposedly flying a plane? Check.  A symbol of America’s military might loaded full of heroes?  Check.  The President giving a speech in which he lies to the American people for the purpose of political convenience?  Also, check.

Will Ferrell does an incredible skit while sporting W’s garbs from the unforgettable moment below.

HAPPY HOLIDAYS