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Article published Jun 29, 2003
Strom Thurmond: One of the most astute politicians
of the past century
J. Strom Thurmond will be remembered in
every political corner as the most masterful politician of the 20th century, a
man who was an ever-present constant in public life and whose service to his
constituents in South Carolina went unparalleled.
His life, which spanned
nearly all of the past century, was extraordinary -- his political career
unmatched.
Thurmond's death Thursday signifies the passing of a legend, a man
who embodied much of the Palmetto State's journeys of the past 100 years.
He
will be remembered as the United States' longest-serving senator, the
oldest-serving senator, the only person to win a Senate seat through a write-in
campaign.
His perspective on life, his dedication to exercise, his healthy
eating habits and his boundless energy were all trademarks of a man who built
his lengthy political career on breaking down barriers between his constituents
and government.
Travel in any direction in South Carolina, and you will hear
from people who remember Thurmond for what he did for them, their dads, their
moms and their grandparents, cutting through the government tape that often
tended to strangle people's hopes for a better life.
To call him popular
would be an understatement. When Thurmond was 93 and asked for another six-year
term in the U.S. Senate, voters granted it to him, even though they knew he may
not be able to effectively serve them for another term. It illustrated the
extent of loyalty he had brought about among South Carolina residents. They
never failed in their tradition of always voting for Strom Thurmond.
One of
the most relevant elements of Thurmond's political career, however, was his
skill in adapting to changing political winds. He achieved national prominence
over his resistance to civil rights, a reflection of views in this state at that
time. But as the climate changed in this state, so did Thurmond. He embraced
civil rights and racial equality as the rest of the state did. He grew to become
more tolerant, more inclusive, although he continually struggled with reminders
of his past civil rights record.
But Thurmond's following never wavered
because he reflected much of what this state had been, what it had become and
what it wanted for its future.
For that reason, his legacy, which embodies
changes that swept through South Carolina for the better part of a century, will
be measured by his passion for giving individual service to the tens of
thousands of people who asked for his help