skippy the bush kangaroo

Saturday, December 10, 2005

rest in peace, gene

"gene's name will forever be linked with our family. in spite of the rivalry with bobby in the 1968 campaign, i admired gene enormously for his courage in challenging a war america never should have fought. his life speaks volumes to us today, as we face a similar critical time for our country." — sen. edward m. kennedy (d-mass)

"eugene mccarthy was a passionate, articulate and intelligent public servant who spoke his mind and was part of the minnesota populist tradition. as an activist and public official he believed deeply in serving his fellow citizens." — minnesota gov. tim pawlenty

a former college professor and novice in a benedictine monastery, mccarthy had never marched in lockstep with the political chieftains of his day. he had a gentle demeanor, and it was often said that he had the heart and soul of a philosopher. he spoke with a cadence that sometimes made it seem as if he were quoting the irish poet william butler yeats, and when he was at his best on the campaign hustings, he could stir the spirits and fire the imaginations of his audience - wapo