-
The United States of El Norte
May 24, 2013 | 5 comments
-
Cubs Lose! Cubs Lose!
May 6, 2013 | 28 comments
-
The Perfect Country Singer
April 29, 2013 | 24 comments
-
Searching for the Duke
April 25, 2013 | 106 comments
-
Carlos’s Moment of Clarity
April 16, 2013 | 27 comments
In Memoriam
The Old Paratrooper’s Last Drop
RIP Sam Gibbons — perhaps the last liberal who was not a leftist.
TAMPA — A lot of history left the room Wednesday when former 17-term Congressman Sam Gibbons died at 92. I had a slight history with the old paratrooper, and will miss him.
If conservatives are now conducting the Final Interviews, Sam has a lot to answer for. His 34-year voting record in Congress was consistently liberal. He had a good deal to do with helping Lyndon Johnson’s “Great Society” programs through the Congress, including such as Head Start, one of the many government programs of that period that sounded good, cost taxpayers a packet, and probably did little lasting good for those who participated in it. (And, like a Bill Clinton speech, it goes on forever, beyond the reach of good sense.)
On the plus side, Sam helped get through the Civil Rights Act of 1964. This was back when the civil rights movement was a justified moral crusade, not the racket it has degenerated into (Al Sharpton, call your office). As a state legislator before entering Congress, Sam also had a good deal to do with establishing the University of South Florida in Tampa, my alma mater, and Hillsborough Community College. “Higher” education is now also a bit of a racket. But Sam didn’t know that when he was doing what he thought to be the work of the angels.
Those who don’t care for Sam’s politics, which includes me, can appreciate Sam for the patriot he was. His affiliation with ROTC at the University of Florida got Sam a commission as a second lieutenant in the Army in 1940, ending his college education in his junior year. On D-Day in 1944, 24-year-old Captain Sam Gibbons parachuted into the hell that was Europe for our advantage. He fought with the 101st Airborne, including in the Battle of the Bulge, until that awful war was finally sorted in 1945.
Discharged as a much-decorated major, Gibbons returned to the University of Florida, where he began law school without bothering to finish his senior year as an undergraduate. You could get away with stuff like that back then. Then it was law practice, state and federal elected office, and lobbying for more than a half century.
My first association with Sam was when he first ran for Congress in 1962. This was after re-apportionment had created a district that was mostly Tampa, and ideally suited for the kind of Democrat Sam was. He was a good retail campaigner, and a favorite Saturday morning spot for him was the parking lot of the Britton Plaza Publix, where I was sacking groceries to finance a bachelor’s degree. Sam would talk to the housewives (as we called married women in those days — especially those who did the family grocery shopping) and give them his campaign literature while we walked to their cars, me trailing with the shopping cart full of groceries. My challenge was to ensure that the shoppers didn’t get so wrapped up in what Sam was saying that they would forget to tip me after I had put the groceries in their cars. Some did. I estimated Sam’s political career cost me two bucks or more per Saturday for several weekends running, significant money for a 19-year-old college student in 1962.
Reminiscing more than 40 years later with Sam in his living room about politics and old Tampa stuff, I told Sam about how his campaign style had stiffed me all those years ago. I also told him I was over it (though I was pretty sore about it at the time). He said he had no idea how he had inconvenienced me, and apologized. But he didn’t offer to make it up. The twenty bucks or so I lost, adjusted for the inflation the programs Sam voted for helped cause, would add up to a tidy sum.
Also up for discussion that day was November 18, 1963, John Kennedy’s last full day of campaigning. Kennedy came to Tampa that day for several private appearances, and a public one at Al Lopez Field, home of the minor league Tampa Tarpons. A college chum and I skipped classes at USF to see the president and to wave at Sam, who had a great day as part of the presidential party. He rode in the presidential limousine with Kennedy during a downtown motorcade. Both politicians were popular, and benefited from association with each other.
Sam told me how much JFK enjoyed the motorcade. And why shouldn’t he have? He was cheered lustily, not the least by young girls and women. As the limo neared yet another clutch of enthusiastic young women, JFK turned to Sam and said, “Here comes some more bouncers.” Sam also said he was impressed with how JFK, when working a room, stayed focused on the person he was speaking to. “He was very thoughtful,” Sam said. “He was a one-at-a-time person. It was not a mob scene out there for him.” (As we later learned, there are plenty of women who can verify this. Incidentally, we see Sam three times in the YouTube video linked to above. He’s the tall guy with a buzz cut following JFK in the first shots after the chopper landing. In the limo, he’s seated in the rear. left. He’s also following JFK as he emerges in the final sequence at a hotel ballroom, the sequence where the child gives JFK the doll.)
Yesterday’s Tampa Tribune headline over the story of Sam’s passing refers to the loss of a “leading statesman.” That overstates things. Sam did accomplish a bit when LBJ liberalism was in vogue. The Tampa native had a rich Southern accent (Tampa and Florida were culturally Southern when Sam came along — though they haven’t been so for decades, the second wave of carpet-baggers being as large as it was) and most of the time exhibited the courtesy common to the region. But he had a bit of a temper, and could get in an opponent’s face. There was a well-recorded incident where he grabbed another congressman by the tie in a committee meeting while pointing out forcefully the errors in this poor sod’s approach.
For a short while Sam was chairman of the House Ways and Means Committee. (Notice I didn’t say “powerful” Ways and Means Committee, thereby probably breaking some Political Reporters’ Union work rule. These adjectives do insinuate themselves into everyday use. For years I thought China had a position called “Aging Premier.”) But he was not there long enough to have much effect. Sam never lost an election, but he very nearly lost one in 1994 during the Republican tsunami. He decided in 1996, at age 76, to retire rather than again face the former Navy intelligence officer, one Mark Sharpe, who came within chin whiskers of unseating Sam in ‘94.
Sam Gibbons supported a lot of policies that I believe have harmed the country. But I believe he honestly thought what he was trying to bring about was best for America. He was a liberal, not a leftist. He never joined the Blame America First Brigade. In fact he was, man and boy, a patriot. He loved his country and fought for it when the country needed brave men to stand up. He had his scratchy moments, but he was always kind and courteous in his dealings with me, as most who dealt with him report. He was, at last, a flawed but determined American who served his country, his church, and his family in the best way he knew how. I never voted for him. But I’m glad I knew him.
God’s speed Sam.
About the Author
Larry Thornberry is a writer in Tampa.
Letter to the Editor View all comments (25) | Leave a comment
More Articles by Larry Thornberry
More Articles From In Memoriam
http://spectator.org/archives/2012/10/12/the-old-paratroopers-last-drop
Follow us:
ADVERTISEMENT
SPONSORED LINKS
FLASHBACK TO: 1995
-
Pope Culture
A man of faith in a godless age is hitting Americans where it hurts.
-
Why the GOP Does Not, Like, Totally Suck
Mr. and Mrs. American Spectator Reader, let P.J. O’Rourke talk sense to your kids.
-
Dames at Sea
-
In the Absence of Guns
In Britain, defending your property can get you life.
-
The Metaphysical Martini
-
Counting the Costs of Clintonism
The debacle of this president’s administration is both a cause and a symptom of the decline of American values. Unless Congress impeaches him, that decline will go on unchecked. An eminent jurist surveys the damage and assesses the chances for the recovery of our culture.
-
Chuck McHagel
It won’t take long for conservatives to scratch this presidential wannabe off their 2008 scorecard.
-
The Legacy of Old John and Mother Fresh-Roasted
-
It’s the Best Time of the Year
The American Christmas, like the songs that celebrate it, makes room for everybody under the rainbow. Is that why so many people seem to be hostile to it?
-
The Bush Crack-Up
Was the President done in by the economy, or by the politics of the economy?
Clip of the Day
ADVERTISEMENT
Stilton A. Cheese| 10.12.12 @ 6:53AM
Elegant tribute, Mr. Thornberry
Alan Obama Fan Brooks | 10.12.12 @ 8:31PM
"perhaps the last liberal who was not a leftist."
No, Bill Clinton was the last liberal who was not a leftist-- and he still lives (much to your disappointment) .
fmm| 10.13.12 @ 7:47AM
Glad to see that you agree with Mr. Thornberry.
Alan Obama Fan Brooks | 10.13.12 @ 6:46PM
"Glad to see that you agree with Mr. Thornberry."
Even if I did, it doesn't mean I'd vote GOP.
"As the limo neared yet another clutch of enthusiastic young women, JFK turned to Sam and said, 'Here comes some more bouncers.' "
As in bouncing tatas, or bouncing on mattresses?
Alan Obama Fan Brooks | 10.13.12 @ 6:50PM
My dad met JFK during the '60 election. Someone told him JFK had been at a hotel with a woman; I was v. young then, I thought the woman was his grandmother or someone:
"how nice", I thought, "that Kennedy visited his Granma at a hotel."
La ti da.
chuck| 10.12.12 @ 7:54AM
I thank Mr. Gibbons for his bravery and service to this country, especially during WWII.
I will never agree with his politics.
May he rest in peace in Heaven, he surely saw enough Hell in this world.
TLP| 10.12.12 @ 8:07AM
I disagree.
Thanking him for his service is like thanking Benedict Arnold for his service.
My most lasting impression of this guy is the Day that he Stood Up in a meeting with the New Republican Majority in 94, during a Committee Meeting, and Stormed out of the Room, all the while Accusing the Republicans of being NAZIS.
Fck Him.
I hope he ROTS.
chuck| 10.12.12 @ 10:55PM
I did say I will never agree with his politics.
Any man who put on the uniform, and served in the Hell that was the D-day invasion deserves our gratitude. These men allow people like you and me, to sit here in the safety of our homes and spout off like we do.
For that reason alone, Sam Gibbons deserves our thanks.
TLP| 10.13.12 @ 9:30AM
So, by your own definition, we should "Thank" Benedict Arnold.
Knock yourself out.
I put on the uniform, and I hope he Rots.
J Baustian| 10.19.12 @ 12:00AM
I remember that incident as well. I was pretty sure it was Sam Gibbons, and your post confirmed my recollection. I don't much care for anyone who makes such accusations.
Occam's Tool| 11.28.12 @ 11:10AM
His service to his country ended with the day he took off his uniform. Screw him.
Lullabys Legends and Lies| 10.12.12 @ 8:45AM
"Sam Gibbons supported a lot of policies that I believe have harmed the country. But I believe he honestly thought what he was trying to bring about was best for America."
Well that's nice, he really believed he was "trying" to help everybody when he did things that ended up helping nobody, and probably ended up harming many people, especially the American Taxpayer!! But he was a Paratrooper, and he served during the War!! Yeah, so? Charlie Rangel served in Korea, was awarded the Purple Heart and Bronze Star, but he's a Tax cheat now, and should be in jail!! John Kerry served too, and now he's a complete dick!! You've got to separate a Politician's service in the Military, from their service in Congress, the one positive does not forgive the other negative!! I hope Mr. Gibbons rest in peace, but let's not forget, besides serving his Nation, he undermined it too, by trying to do what's best!! Obama believes he honestly trying to bring about what's best for America too, so trying doesn't mean to much to me, or for the future of America!!
TLP| 10.12.12 @ 9:57AM
Exactly.
And, don't forget John Glenn running Interference for The Rapist, and that Piece a Sh*t John Murtha - The Unindicted Coconspirator in ABSCAM, a guy who Stuffed HIS Pockets with OUR Money, and the #1 Accuser of OUR MARINES, time after time, for Rape and Murder, and anything else he could come up with.
May they ALL Rot in Hell!
GeneralAl | 10.12.12 @ 11:44AM
Well said! Unfortunately, I think his passing brings to an end this kind of liberal!
TLP| 10.13.12 @ 9:47AM
Bullsh*t.
If he were still in the Congress?
He would Fall in Line, IN LOCKSTEP, with all of the other Leftists.
Their Slavish Adherence to a Political Philosophy of Government Subjugation of everything it can get its hands on, is nothing short of The Ring of Power.
Their Leaders are the Nazka. They move about in their Dragon Limousines as they try and Force the rest of us into Mass Transit.
Harry Ried is their White Wizard, while Sauron is the Child of the Atheist Communist Whore, and her Muslim Marxist Lover.
Gibbons would be right there, right now, giving them a SIEG HEIL, if he had the chance.
Of that, I am certain.
Quartermaster| 10.12.12 @ 1:29PM
Paratroopers make jumps, not drops. The difference is not subtle, but is known only to those who have been there.
LBJ's Great Society programs were the height of leftism. I see no reason to grant absolution to the man when what he supported was lefist.
TLP is also right about the man in '94 and richly deserves political opprobrium. His war service in no way absolves him. John Glenn is another piece of MilScum that deserves to be remembered for deeply harming his country along with McCain and a number of others who have leaned on war service to catapult them to the taxpayers trough.
TLP| 10.12.12 @ 3:51PM
Amen.
Alej| 10.13.12 @ 7:58AM
Can't think of much to add to LL&L's, QM's and Tim's comments... just can't reconcile in my mind honorable military service followed by dishonorable political activities ( John Kerry is not referred to in that concept). Generals Petraeus, Casey & Carey do come to mind as candidates for future consideration, though. Throw in Adm. Mullen, as well.
TLP| 10.13.12 @ 9:50AM
The Ring of Power, Alej.
The Precious.
Now, do you understand?
Alej| 10.13.12 @ 10:30AM
Sure... I understand there are child rapists in the world, too... just meant my mind can't grasp that a man can act one way in uniform and then sell out later for personal gain.
I know they do... James Webb was a big disappointment, for example... just can't empathize - not built that way. I was born idealistic and naive, and apparently will die that way !
Frodo 6 out.
TLP| 10.14.12 @ 8:30AM
Frodo 6.
Nice.
Occam's Tool| 11.28.12 @ 11:10AM
Mobile Infantry make drops.
eloris| 10.12.12 @ 4:04PM
I really think this type of "decent liberal" needs to be grabbed by the collar and asked why he supports the at-whim mass slaughter of unborn infants, at any time, for any reason, by any method.
Since I don't really think any could - I do indeed believe they are pretty much extinct.
fmm| 10.13.12 @ 7:58AM
The significant thing about this article is that Mr. Thornberry can write a positive piece about a liberal with whom he has politically disagreed all his life, recognizing worthwhile contributions he made. This never happens when a conservative figure passes on with the liberals celebrating his death and wishing both his spirit and his surviving family the absolute worst. Very telling indeed.
Alan Obama Fan Brooks | 10.13.12 @ 6:45PM
Even if I did, it doesn't mean I'd vote GOP.
"As the limo neared yet another clutch of enthusiastic young women, JFK turned to Sam and said, 'Here comes some more bouncers.' "
As in bouncing tatas, or bouncing on mattresses?