speak; whisper

"The highest patriotism is not a blind acceptance of official policy, but a love of one's country deep enough to call her to a higher plain."
--George McGovern, 1922 - 2012

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"George McGovern -- always a gentleman and an outstanding member of the Greatest Generation.  RIP."
--U.S. Sen. John McCain, R-Arizona, via Twitter

"George McGovern was a self-made man who served our nation, in war and in peace, with courage and conviction.  He worked hard on behalf of South Dakota, and made history as the only South Dakotan to be nominated for President.  Linda and I extend our sympathies to the McGovern family."
--South Dakota Gov. Dennis Daugaard

"Ann and I extend our condolences to the family of George McGovern, the unwavering standard bearer of his party and a hero of World War II."
--Former Massachusetts Gov. and Republican presidential nominee Mitt Romney via Twitter

"George McGovern dedicated his life to serving the country he loved.  He signed up to fight in World War II, and became a decorated bomber pilot over the battlefields of Europe.  When the people of South Dakota sent him to Washington, this hero of war became a champion for peace.  And after his career in Congress, he became a leading voice in the fight against hunger."
--Pres. Barack Obama in an emailed statement

"As the Democratic nominee for president, Senator McGovern put principle over politics and stood up for what he believed in.  He lived his values, dedicating his life to fighting the scourge of poverty here at home and around the world.  The forces of social justice lost a great fighter today, and Senator McGovern will be sorely missed."
--Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid, D-Nev., email

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[excerpt Politico article, written by Katie Glueck]:

When former Vice President Walter Mondale lost his bid for the presidency in 1984, he paid a visit to Sen. Geoerge McGovern, who, 12 years earlier, similarly lost his presidential race in a landslide.

"I remember when, after I lost my race for president, I went to see George," Mondale told POLITICO in an interview Sunday.  "I said, 'Tell me how long it takes to get over a defeat of this kind.'  He said, 'I'll call you when it happens.' 
...
I would say his legacy was -- war hero, a brilliant progressive who was able to put in a long and productive life serving progressive causes," said Mondale, a Minnesota Democrat who worked with McGovern in the Senate before serving as President Jimmy Carter's vice president from 1977 to 1981.

"He not only served them in public office, but over the years, he wrote several books, and each had this theme in them -- the progrsesive, decent idea that as Americans, we should be helping each other have a good life."

Mondale, 84, praised McGovern's work on anti-hunger initiatives, citing his record of reaching across the aisle to promote such causes.

"I would say he was more liberal than a lot of his colleagues, but they still respected him, and his work on hunger and nutrition connected him across the board," including to Bob Dole, the former GOP presidential candidate and Senate majority leader, Mondale said, also noting that McGovern was "very well-liked" in the Senate.

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[Quotes,
George McGovern]:

I am fed up with a system which busts the pot smoker and lets the big dope racketeer go free.


I'm fed up to the ears with old men dreaming up wars for young men to die in.


No man should advocate a course in private that he's ashamed to admit in public.


Politics is an act of faith; you have to show some kind of confidence in the intellectual and moral capacity of the public.


The longer the title, the less important the job.

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When I find myself in times of trouble
Mother Mary comes to me
Speaking words of wisdom, let it be.
And in my hour of darkness
She is standing right in front of me
Speaking words of wisdom, let it be.
Let it be, let it be.
Whisper words of wisdom, let it be.

And when the broken-hearted people
Living in the world agree,
There will be an answer, let it be.
For though they may be parted there is
Still a chance that they will see
There will be an answer, let it be.
Let it be, let it be -- yeah,
There will be an answer -- let it be.

And when the night is cloudy
There is still a light that shines on me,
Shine on until tomorrow, let it be.
I wake up to the sound of music
Mother Mary comes to me
Speaking words of wisdom, let it be.
Let it be, let it be.
There will be an answer, let it be.
Let it be, let it be,
Whisper words of wisdom, let it be.

{Lennon / McCartney}

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