But when given the chance to move to Washington, D.C., and work for Thurmond during his senior year of high school, Beasley did and it changed his life. "It was my introduction to politics," Beasley recalled. "I drove him around town, baby sat for him, and I did whatever it is you do when you work for Strom." Beasley said the lessons he learned that year have stuck with him. "You learn to have a love for public service, and an undying love and patriotism for the United States of America," Beasley said of working for Thurmond. Thurmond's influence on Beasley is evident from the photos hanging on the walls of the former governor. Beasley and his family with Thurmond at Christmas, Thurmond and Beasley with former President George Bush and former Gov. Carroll Campbell, and Thurmond and Beasley at the governor's mansion. "He was an important part of my political career and of my life," Beasley said. Beasley was awarded the Kennedy Foundation's "Profiles in Courage" award this year for his efforts to remove the Confederate battle flag from the Statehouse dome. The move is credited with costing him a bid for reelection the next year. Beasley said what he learned from Thurmond played heavily in his decision on the issue. "He supported me when I made that decision," Beasley said. "A lot of people were surprised. "Strom was always strong in his convictions, and he was never wishy-washy," he said. "He said it always comes down to doing what's right, and that was the right thing to do." Beasley said one of Thurmond's biggest strengths was the ability to change with the times, but remain true to his convictions. "His views evolved over time, and I think over time you have to be able to reevaluate your principals," he said. "He's a testament that you can hold true to your convictions yet change your thinking." Thurmond changed his thinking tremendously over the years. The former segregationist and founder of the Dixiecrat Party later rejected segregationism and racism. "It was a change of heart and a change of political reality for him," Beasley said. "I think it takes a really good man to recognize when it's time to change, and to have the courage to change." Beasley said Thurmond's impact on South Carolina will be felt for generations. "He is to South Carolina what George Washington is to America," he said. "You can't evaluate his impact on this state, it's incomprehensible." Despite his influence and power, Thurmond never succumbed to the trappings of position, Beasley said. "He never got high and mighty," he said. "Strom always maintained his touch with the people and he always kept his feet on the ground. There are so many up there who are one thing up there and something different back home. Strom wasn't like that."
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