A Great Man of Dab: Robert C. Byrd

Senator Robert C. Byrd is without a doubt a great man of Dab. He is a shining example of the fairness, flexibilty, and endless possibilities of a democratic government. I do not like the United States (no need to go into any details) but I have no problem whatsoever in giving Senator Byrd the respect and admiration that he deserves. Thusly I name Robert Carlyle Byrd a Great Man of Dab!

Some of his notable achievments (and interesting tidbits):
*At 91 years of age he is the oldest living member of Congress!
*He has held the post of President Pro Tempore (Third in line for the Presidency) four times! (From 1989-1995, Jan. 2001, Jun. 2001-2003, Jan. 2007-present)
*Was among the official witnesses to the 1951 execution via electric chair of Harry Burdette and Fred Painter. He states that electrocution "...is not a beautiful thing."
*Joined the Klu Klux Klan in 1942, at the age of 24, holding the titles of Kleagle and Exalted Cyclops. He explained that he was a member because he "was sorely afflicted with tunnel vision — a jejune and immature outlook — seeing only what I wanted to see because I thought the Klan could provide an outlet for my talents and ambitions." Byrd also said, in 2005: "I know now I was wrong. Intolerance had no place in America. I apologized a thousand times... and I don't mind apologizing over and over again. I can't erase what happened."
*He was elected to an unprecedented ninth term of office in 2007! (He has even run unoppossed once, and won all 55 counties in his state on two occasions!
*His service to his country adds up to over 60 years, never having lost an election!
*He has cast more votes than any other senator in history!
*He is the last living senator from the 1950's and has outlived every other senator who has had seniority over him!
*He is the last living senator to have voted on a statehood bill!
*He was the Leader of the Democrates in the Senate from 1977-1989! (And is the only former leader to remain in the senate.)
*In 1988, while Majority Leader, he moved a call of the Senate, which was adopted by the majority present, in order to have the Sergeant at Arms arrest members not in attendance. One member (Robert Packwood, R-Oregon) was escorted back to the chamber in order to obtain a quorum!
*He believed that Senate proceedings should be televised to prevent the Senate from becoming the "invisible branch" of government. Cameras came to the Senate floor in June 1986!
*In 1978 when Byrd was Majority Leader, he recorded an album called U.S. Senator Robert Byrd: Mountain Fiddler (County, 1978). Byrd was accompanied by Country Gentlemen Doyle Lawson, James Bailey, and Spider Gilliam. Most of the LP consists of "old-timey" mountain music. Byrd covers "Don't Let Your Sweet Love Die," a Zeke Manners song, and "Will the Circle Be Unbroken." He has performed at the Kennedy Center, on the Grand Ole Opry and on Hee Haw!
*Senator Byrd appeared in the Civil War movie Gods and Generals in 2003 as a Confederate General!
*He opposed the 2002 law creating the Homeland Security Department, saying it ceded too much authority to the executive branch!
*He led a filibuster against the resolution granting President George W. Bush broad power to wage a "preemptive" war against Iraq, but he could not get a majority of his own party to vote against cloture and against the resolution. He also led the opposition to Bush's bid to win back the power to negotiate trade deals that Congress cannot amend, but lost overwhelmingly.
Please, investigate further the life of Senator Robert Byrd, politician, musician, moviestar. I could go on at length (and definitely have) but have really barely scratched the surface. How this man never became President, I have no idea. I conclude with Byrds' words about how his country has cahnged these past years, for the worse:

"Today I weep for my country. I have watched the events of recent months with a heavy, heavy heart. No more is the image of America one of strong, yet benevolent peacekeeper. The image of America has changed. Around the globe, our friends mistrust us, our word is disputed, our intentions are questioned. Instead of reasoning with those with whom we disagree, we demand obedience or threaten recrimination."