Washminster

Washminster
Washminster

Tuesday 20 May 2008

LBJ 100

You may have noticed one item on the "Weekly Leader" for the House of Representatives.

"H.Res. __ - Commemoration of President Lyndon Baines Johnson on the occasion his
birthday centennial
(Rep. Sheila Jackson–Lee – Judiciary)"

On August 27th this year, it will be 100 years since LBJ was born. His presidency was overshadowed, if not destroyed, by the Vietnam War. He will always be remembered as the Vice President who succeeded to office on the assassination of JFK. Yet he was a fascinating individual in his own right. The three volume (unfinished...) series of biographies by Robert A Caro are well worth a read (even if it takes a summer - as it did for me). He dominated Congress - serving in both Houses. As whip then Majority Leader of the Senate he was a master of parliamentary strategy. I hope his centenary will not be forgotten - and Washminster will explore this intriguing character and his life.