As John Dingell (D-MI), the longest serving member of Congress lay on his death bed - knowing the moment to be just that - he dictated a farewell message to his wife Rep. Deborah Dingell. Read it.
John Dingell: My last words for America - The Washington Post: February 7, 2019
Much as I have found Twitter to be a useful means of expression, some occasions merit more than 280 characters.
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In my life and career, I have often heard it said that so-and-so has real power — as in, “the powerful Wile E. Coyote, chairman of the Capture the Road Runner Committee.”
It’s an expression that has always grated on me. In democratic government, elected officials do not have power. They holdpower — in trust for the people who elected them. If they misuse or abuse that public trust, it is quite properly revoked (the quicker the better).
I never forgot the people who gave me the privilege of representing them. It was a lesson learned at home from my father and mother, and one I have tried to impart to the people I’ve served with and employed over the years.
As I prepare to leave this all behind, I now leave you in control of the greatest nation of mankind and pray God gives you the wisdom to understand the responsibility you hold in your hands.
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