By BECKY KISER
Hays Post
“Washburn provided me with a firm foundation to set my sights on great things. For my generation, which had won a war then create a better future back home, Washburn gave us that new start through education.”
That’s the quote on a plaque adorning the new bronze statue celebrating the lifetime achievements of Senator Bob Dole that was unveiled Friday, Sept. 28, at Washburn University in Topeka, where the Russell native earned two degrees after serving in World War II.
Dole developed a worldwide reputation for public service, holding elected positions in the Kansas House of Representatives, as Russell County attorney, and as U.S. congressman before spending nearly 30 years as U.S. senator.
In an interview with KTWU-TV, the 95-year-old said he wishes more young people would get politically involved. “Whether they’re Democrats, Republicans, Independent, I wish they would take an interest in what’s happening.”
Dole also sees a need for more bipartisanship in today’s Congress.
“We could certainly use some bipartisanship in the United States Senate now. About all they do is scream at each other and as a result they don’t get lot done,” Dole concluded.
“When I was the Republican leader (of the Senate), we had a good group of Republicans. I had many friends on the Democratic side and so we were able to get things done.
“We need to find some way the Democrats and the Republicans today can sit down together and work out a compromise. You can’t compromise everything but most everything you can,” said Dole.
In his long career of public service, Dole says one of his most remarkable memories is “rescuing Society Security.”
“I worked with Senator Patrick Patrick Moynihan, a Democrat (from New York) and we were able to in fact rescue Society Security.”
Dole also notes his leadership in the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) which became law in 1990. As a wounded World War II veteran who never fully regained use of his right arm, Dole was an advocate for the disabled throughout his career and a major supporter of ADA.
Dole, 95, says he’s surprised he’s lived so long.
“I’ve had a great life. I’ve had a few bumps in the road, but overall, I can’t complain. Never did complain.”
Asked for advice for today’s young Americans, Dole acknowledged “it’s tough when you’re in your early 20s. But my view was if you study hard and get your education, then you’re on your way to probably a better life.
“I’m a proud Kansan and I want to thank Kansans for all the support they gave me for the 36 years I was in Congress, and Washburn. They really gave me a life.”
Dole and his wife Elizabeth were in Russell Saturday evening for dinner with family and friends.
They were escorted by Kansas Highway Patrol Technical Trooper Tod Hileman of Hays.