A Story of Change - From KKK Member to Progressive Legislator - Robert Byrd

This morning, the longest serving senator in thethis administration's agenda-specifically, health care
history of the United States passed away at thereform. He has also spoken out against the Iraq
age of 92. Robert Byrd, who was from WestWar, when most other senators were too afraid.
Virginia, was first elected to the Senate whenHe also made sure to champion the cause of the
Kennedy was president. He served in the Houseworkers and the poor from his state.
of Legislators before that. In his early years, ByrdI think Byrd should serve as in inspiration to us.
would certainly have not been called aPeople are possibly of change, even late in their
progressive. He was a former member of thelives. We like to pigeon-hole and label people in a
KKK; in fact, one of the Grand Dragons from thecertain way, and we assume they are going to
KKK was the one who convinced him to first runstay that way forever. Nevertheless, we forget
for political office. During the 1960′s, hethe stories of people going from racism to
joined other segregationist Senators, like Strominclusion, hate to compassion, and greed to giving.
Thurmond from South Carolina, in an attemptedKKK members can become progressive voices
block of the Civil Right's legislation.for change. Terrorists can become peace
However, time changes people. Later, Byrdactivists. Criminals can become humanitarians.
apologized for his actions on Civil Rights and laterSinners can become saints. In the end, Byrd will
supported other Civil Right's legislation. He alsonot be remembered for the mistakes he made
came out and endorsed Barack Obama, oneearlier in his career as much as the strong way
week after he was heavily defeated in Westhe ended it. No matter what our age or our
Virginia by Hilary Clinton, which was a very strongcircumstances, it is never to late to start again
and symbolic statement about the issue of raceand make changes for the better.
and change. He has been a critical vote in much of