NO CURTAIN CALLS ON THIS PERFORMANCE -- Just A Minute Radio for Wednesday 100630

            Welcome to our Wednesday chats here on JUST A MINUTE –

 

            The folks at Playfair – being mostly of the ‘more mature set’ – have been long time observers of the senior members of the United States Congress – particularly the USS… [United States Senate].  And being mature in vision and temperament – as well as knowing they are, as a group, more likely to be nearing the ‘Celestial City’ as described in “Pilgrim’s Progress” are concerned to be up to date on current and expected events.

 

            All that to say they have one eye on the weather and another on the daily obits in the paper or on TV. 

 

            Which brings us to the departure of Senator Robert C. Byrd of West Virginia – who holds the record of being the longest serving member of the legislature of the United States.  He came to the House of Representatives in 1942 I believe…and served until death took him, over the weekend.  No doubt he was loved by the people of West Virginia and they loved him back, mostly.  Of course there are political differences – but at times like these they need to be put aside, and I will say from personal experience in the Senate, they usually are.

 

            Senator Byrd was a singular figure. When I served there during the mid 60’s he was well known among the denizens of the Hill to be personally the first man in his office each working day – opening his own mail and tending to the business of his constituents.

 

            He was an astute vote counter and eventually became a well-respected leader both in the majority and the minority.  He was personable and polite and committed to whatever he grasped.  He – along with Senator Thurmond who was my boss, changed his view on racial matters as the nation changed – and was open about telling those who said they had disagreed with him that he too had learned some things from youth to growing up.

 

            Well… I didn’t come today to write another obit… you can read those or hear them as you wish… I do, however, take this occasion to point out that time (and apparently taxes) catch up with every man or woman – and there’s no getting around it. Without sermonizing here or temporizing, I would urge you to be honest *with yourself* -- and take heed to those who wish you well even while you may think you are in opposition.  After all… Jesus Himself said: “Father, forgive them for they know not what they do.” Words to which I sincerely ascribe and advocate.

 

            Cordially, IN HIM

 

            Jack Buttram

 

Delayed audio link:

 

http://www.wmuu.com/blog/category/audio/just-a-minute/

 

 

“JUST A MINUTE”

 

NO CURTAIN CALLS ON THIS PERFORMANCE

 

Homer: Jist A Minute – Mr. Jack who is gonna take Senator Byrd’s place as th’ longest servin’ Senator?

Jack: I don’t know right off, Homer. I’d have to look it up.

MizP: Twon’t be quite th’ same place wif out Mr. Byrd an Mr. Thurmond…

Jack: No – that’s right.

BB: Ah reckon they’s bin enough cowboys there ta fill up a good size book.

MizP: Quite a few of ‘em Mr. Beelie.

Homer: Did you ever meet him, Mr. Jack?

Jack: I don’t believe so, Homer… if so it was a very brief handshake. He was a very friendly man to staff members. My son Kim and his family live in Beckley West Virginia… and if you’ve ever been in any place in West Virginia you feel like you’re surrounded by the man.

BB: There’s a freeway named after him ain’t there?

Jack: Right… the Robert C. Byrd Freeway… and the Robert C. Byrd Library, and School …

MizP: An Coal Mine?

Jack: Maybe Miz Pearl… but I’ve never heard of it.

Homer: Senator Maybank of South Caroliner was purty good at bringin’ home th’ bacon was he not?

Jack: Yeah some other members said if he brought one more government agency to Charleston it would tip over and slip out to sea.

Mizp: Aw… Ah don’t b’leive that.

Homer: Sumbody tried ta pass a bill ta keep tax-paid thangs bein’ named after peepul ‘til they bin dead at least ten years.  

MizP:  Ah thank we better stop they-uh… we wants ta be nice.

Jack: Sure we do… and anyway time’s up – Be with us again next Wednesday.  I’m Jack Buttram.

(END)

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