I grew up going to the same church as Baker in Huntsville. He was always extremely nice to me and was just a really good, down to earth man. Obviously, his career speaks for itself. This country is in desperate need for another Howard Baker. Here's to a great career and a great life.
[video=youtube;pwrbcuqr2iY]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pwrbcuqr2iY[/video] Tremendous speech by Baker here. I've been told that nearly all of his speeches like this are completely off the cuff.
People may have disagreed, but no one hated, or for what I can tell, disliked him. Knew one of his grandsons in college. Nice kid. Biggest dork on planet earth and nothing what I would expect from this guy's lineage, but a nice kid.
Lots of TN liberals praising Baker this morning. That tells me a lot about Baker. The folks in Washington, on both side of aisle, should consider his Baker's Dozen for Senate success: http://www.senate.gov/artandhistory/history/common/generic/Leaders_Lecture_Series_Baker.htm Understanding, respect, civility, listening...
We really do need more guys like Baker. You know a troublesome changing of the guard has occurred when even the mention of compromise receives scorn. Sad day on many fronts.
Please don't take that post incorrectly. Howard Baker was as humble a man of power as has ever walked the earth. Just not as big a fan of the political Howard Baker as many. Scott County has lost a treasure. He truly never lost touch with his roots.
