Robert Dole Salutes Casket of George H.W. Bush

Robert Dole

Pol Light Moment #161 occurred on December 4, 2018, when Robert Dole stood from his wheelchair to salute the casket of President George H.W. Bush who was lying in state at the United States Capital. Robert Dole served as a United States Senator from Kansas from 1969-1996. Dole was the Senate Majority Leader in 1995-1996 and the Senate Minority Leader from 1987-1995. Prior to serving as a senator he served in the House of Representatives from 1961-1969.

On Tuesday, December 4, 2018, when George H.W. Bush was lying in state at the United States Capital, Robert Dole saluted him. Dole and Bush are both veterans of World War II. Robert Dole, who is now 95 years old and bound to a wheel chair, received assistance to stand in respect at the casket. While standing in front of the casket, Robert Dole saluted George H.W. Bush as a final act of respect to his long-time friend.

Here is a video of this touching moment in history.



Robert Dole has been featured on other Pol Light posts. Find them under the label of Robert Dole on the blog.

Pol Light does not endorse political candidates. We present a brighter side to politics when they are found on either side of the aisle. We don't have to agree with all of a person's politics to recognize these bright moments.

The photo of Robert Dole is in the Public Domain.

John McCain Concedes 2008 Presidential Election

John McCain

Pol Light #159 occurred late in the evening of November 4, 2008, when John McCain conceded the 2008 United States Presidential Election to Barack Obama. John McCain has served as a United States Senator from Arizona since 1986. From 1982-1986 he served in the United States House of Representatives.

The following is a video of Senator John McCain's concession speech delivered from the Arizona Biltmore Hotel in Phoenix on November 4, 2008. 



One of the key portions of the speech included these remarks about Barack Obama:

This is an historic election, and I recognize the special significance it has for African-Americans and for the special pride that must be theirs tonight. 

I've always believed that America offers opportunities to all who have the industry and will to seize it. Sen. Obama believes that, too. But we both recognize that though we have come a long way from the old injustices that once stained our nation's reputation and denied some Americans the full blessings of American citizenship, the memory of them still has the power to wound. 

A century ago, President Theodore Roosevelt's invitation of Booker T. Washington to visit -- to dine at the White House -- was taken as an outrage in many quarters. America today is a world away from the cruel and prideful bigotry of that time. There is no better evidence of this than the election of an African-American to the presidency of the United States. Let there be no reason now for any American to fail cherish their citizenship in this, the greatest nation on Earth (Transcript of John McCain Speech, NPR).

The following is an audio of the entire speech.


John McCain has been featured on other posts at Pol Light. You can read them by searching with the "John McCain" label at Pol Light.

Pol Light does not endorse political candidates. We present a brighter side to politics when they are found on either side of the aisle. We don't have to agree with all of a person's politics to recognize these bright moments.

Photo: The photo of John McCain in this post is in the Public Domain.

Barbara Bush Gives Commencement Speech at Wellesley College

Barbara Bush

Pol Light Moment #158 occurred on June 1, 1990, when Barbara Bush gave the Commencement Speech at Wellesley College in Massachusetts. Barbara Bush served as First Lady from 1989-1993, when her husband George H.W. Bush was President of the United States. Prior to that she was the Second Lady of the United States from 1981-1989. She is also the mother of former President George W. Bush.

The following is a video of Barbara Bush giving the Commencement Speech at Wellesley College on June 1, 1990. Bush's Commencement speech was placed by American Rhetoric in their collection of Top 100 Speeches and you can read the entire text of the speech on the American Rhetoric website.



In this ten minute speech Barbara Bush gave an inspirational message on embracing the diversity of life and putting family first. Her words included this poignant priority:

At the end of your life, you will never regret not having passed one more test, winning one more verdict, or not closing one more deal. You will regret time not spent with a husband, a child, a friend, or a parent (Barbara Bush, American Rhetoric Top 100 Speeches).

Barbara Bush has appeared on other moments on Pol Light. If you would like to see other posts by Barbara Bush on Pol Light search with the label Barbara Bush.

Pol Light does not endorse political candidates. We present a brighter side to politics when they are found on either side of the aisle. We don't have to agree with all of a person's politics to recognize these bright moments.

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The photo of Barbara Bush is in the Public Domain.

Donald Trump Donates 1 Million Dollars to Hurricane Harvey Relief

Donald Trump

Pol Light Moment #157 occurred on August 31, 2017 , when Donald Trump announced he would personally give $1 million of his personal funds to charitable organizations that were helping with the recovery of Hurricane Harvey. Donald Trump is the 45th and current President of the United States, serving from 2017 to the present.

Hurricane Harvey was a Major Category 4 Hurricane that ocurred between August 17, 2017-September 3, 2017. It did major damage to the Texas and Louisiana in the United States, including the large city of Houston, Texas.


On September 7, 2017, the names of the 12 charities designated to receive part of Donald Trump's $1 million were released. They included:

Red Cross - $300,000

Salvation Army - $300,000

Reach Out America - $100,000

Samaritan's Purse - $100,000

ASPCA - $25,000

Catholic Charities - $25,000

Direct Relief - $25,000

Habitat for Humanity - $25,000

Houston Humane Society - $25,000

Operation Blessing - $25,000

Portlight Inclusive Disaster Strategies - $25,000

Team Rubicon -  $25,000 

(Source: NBC News)

Donald Trump has been featured on other Pol Light posts. To view other posts search the blog with the label Donald Trump.

Pol Light does not endorse political candidates. We present a brighter side to politics when they are found on either side of the aisle. We don't have to agree with all of a person's politics to recognize these bright moments.

The photo in this post of Donald Trump is in the Public Domain.

Donald Trump Presides Over Lighting of National Christmas Tree

Donald Trump

Pol Light Moment #156 occurred on November 30, 2017, when Donald Trump presided over the annual lighting of the national Christmas tree. Donald Trump is the 45th and current President of the United States, serving from 2017 to the present.


The tradition of Presidents presiding over the lighting of the National Christmas tree in Washington DC began in 1923 with Calvin Coolidge. Here is the full text of the speech Donald Trump gave at the Christmas Tree lighting ceremony in 2017.

Today's the day that I've been looking very much forward to all year long. It's one that we have heard and we speak about and we dream about and now as the President of the United States, it's my tremendous honor to finally wish America and the world a very Merry Christmas.

I want to thank everyone who has come together here right in front of the White House, that beautiful, beautiful White House, and everyone watching from home to see the lighting of this incredible national Christmas tree.

For nearly a century, through good times and bad, every president has taken part in this wonderful tradition, first started by President Coolidge. But I was informed tonight that the weather we have is the best it's been in 25 years. In fact, I said, ‘Is it always like this?’ And the secretary said, ‘Hasn't been like this for a long time.’ So, we are very lucky.

Finally, in 1870, President Ulysses S. Grant signed legislation making Christmas a Federal holiday. And I sort of feel we are doing that again. That’s what's happening.

From the earliest days of our nations, Americans have known Christmas as a time for prayer and worship, for gratitude and good will, for peace and renewal.

Melania and I are full of joy at the start of this very blessed season. We're thrilled to think of the people across the nation and all across the continent whose spirits are lifted by the miracle of Christmas.

For Christians, this is a Holy season – the celebration of the birth of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. The Christmas story begins 2000 years ago with a mother, a father, their baby son, and the most extraordinary gift of all, the gift of God's love for all of humanity.

Whatever our beliefs, we know that the birth of Jesus Christ and the story of this incredible life forever changed the course of human history. There’s hardly an aspect of our lives today that his life has not touched: art, music, culture, law, and our respect for the sacred dignity of every person everywhere in the world.

Each and every year at Christmas time we recognize that the real spirit of Christmas is not what we have, it's about who we are – each one of us is a child of God.

That is the true source of joy this time of the year.

That is what makes every Christmas ‘merry.’  

And that is what we remember at today's beautiful ceremony, that we are called to serve one another, to love one another, and to pursue peace in our hearts and all throughout the world.

And so tonight, I thank the millions of Americans who light our lives and brighten our wonderful communities. I thank those who are serving the needy during the season and throughout the year. I thank our military men and women who are stationed around the world keeping us safe.

I thank our law enforcement officers who protect our streets and secure our homeland. I thank America's teachers, pastors, and all those religious, and those people that have taught us so much, for their leadership in our communities and our society.

And, especially tonight, I thank America's families. At Christmas, we are reminded more than ever that the family is the bedrock of American life.

And so, this Christmas we ask for God’s blessings for our family, for our nation. And we pray that our country will be a place where every child knows a home filled with love, a community rich with hope, and a nation blest with faith.

On behalf of Melania, myself, Barron, all of my children, all of my grandchildren — they're here with us tonight — I want to thank you.

God bless you and God bless the United States of America. Thank you very much.

Merry Christmas everybody. Merry Christmas. Happy new year. Thank you.

Donald Trump has been featured on other Pol Light posts. To view other posts search the blog with the label Donald Trump.

Pol Light does not endorse political candidates. We present a brighter side to politics when they are found on either side of the aisle. We don't have to agree with all of a person's politics to recognize these bright moments.

The photo in this post of Donald Trump is in the Public Domain.

Mike Pence Donates Blood

Mike Pence

Pol Light Moment #154 happened on June 20, 2017, when Mike Pence donated blood to honor members of congress who were shot on June 14, 2017, while practicing for their charity baseball game. Mike Pence is the current Vice-President of the United States, serving since 2017. He was formerly the Governor of the State of Indiana from 2013-2017. Mike Pence represented Indiana's 2nd Congressional district in the U.S. House of Representatives from 2001-2013 before becoming Governor of Indiana.

Inspiring to see members of Congress & staffers at the blood drive organized to help those hurt in last week's shooting. #TeamScalise pic.twitter.com/p0jlhPiC4K

— Vice President Pence (@VP) June 20, 2017

Vice President Mike Pence donated blood at the Rayburn House Building on Capital Hill on June 20, 2017. The blood drive was organized in partnership with the American Red Cross in order to support the Capital Hill blood bank and honor those who were injured in the shooting on the congressional baseball practice field on June 14, 2017. Majority Whip Rep. Steve Scalise, R-La was seriously injured in the shooting.

For more information on this Pol Light moment read the following articles:

• Pence Donates Blood to Support Scalise, Others Injured on Baseball Field (Fox News, June 20, 2017).
• Mike Pence, Others Donate to Capital Hill Blood Bank in Honor of Scalise (ABC News, David Caplan, June 21, 2017)

Mike Pence has been featured on other posts at the Pol Light blog that can be found by searching for the Label Mike Pence.

Pol Light does not endorse political candidates. We present a brighter side to politics when they are found on either side of the aisle. We don't have to agree with all of a person's politics to recognize these bright moments.

The photo of Mike Pence is in the Public Domain.

Kennedy and Nixon at 1960 Al Smith Dinner

Pol Light Moment #151 occurred on October 19, 1960, when the two people running for President of the United States shared the stage to support Catholic charities and disadvantaged children. John F. Kennedy and Richard Nixon were joint keynote speakers at the 17th Annual Alfred E. Smith Memorial Foundation Dinner in New York in 1960, held at the Waldorf Astoria Hotel. Alfred E. Smith was a former Governor of New York, who was the first Catholic Presidential candidate (Wikipedia Page: Alfred E. Smith Memorial Foundation Dinner).

Both speakers reflected on the election of 1928 when Democrat Al Smith was defeated by Republican Herbert Hoover. You can relive the evening by reading the text of both keynote speakers on the American Presidency Project website. A historical photo of the two speakers was published by the New York Daily Post.

Link to John F. Kennedy's Full Remarks

"When this happens then the bitter memory of 1928 will begin to fade, and all that will remain will be the figure of Al Smith, large against the horizon, true, courageous, and honest, who in the words of the cardinal, served his country well, and having served his country well, nobly served his God. [Applause.]"--John F. Kennedy

Link to Richard Nixon's Full Remarks

"And, so, in conclusion, I would add only this last thought: Many years have passed since the year 1928. Many memories have become less bitter through the years. Three weeks from today either Senator Kennedy or I will be the President-elect of this country, and then we will go our separate courses in the years to come. I've been trying to think how I could best close my remarks and refer to him and refer to me, and I go back to the campaign of 1928. Herbert Hoover was elected. Al Smith lost. But both of them lived many, many years longer, and both of them, the longer they lived, gained love and affection from the American people - and I would only hope tonight that, however this election turns out, Senator Kennedy and I in the years ahead will be able to conduct ourselves with the dignity, the decency which earned the esteem and the love of the American people for the two men who were engaged in that great campaign of 1928."--Richard Nixon

More information about the Alfred E. Smith Memorial Foundation Dinner can be found at http://www.alsmithfoundation.org/thedinner.html#about. For other posts on John F. Kennedy search with the "John F. Kennedy" label at Pol Light. For other posts on Richard Nixon search with the "Richard Nixon" label at Pol Light.

Pol Light does not endorse political candidates. We present a brighter side to politics when they are found on either side of the aisle. We don't have to agree with all of a person's politics to recognize these bright moments.

Barbara Bush Forms Family Literacy Foundation

Barbara Bush

Pol Light Moment #150 occurred in 1989, when Barbara Bush formed the Barbara Bush Foundation for Family Literacy. Barbara Bush served as First Lady from 1989-1993, when her husband George H.W. Bush was President of the United States. Prior to that she was the Second Lady of the United States from 1981-1989. She is also the mother of former President George W. Bush.

The focus of the Barbara Bush Foundation for Family Literacy is together to provide early childhood education for preschoolers and to help their parents to read through adult literacy programs. The Fact Sheet of the Barbara Bush Foundation for Family Literacy says, "Our founder and former First Lady Barbara Bush believes that family literacy is key to solving today's most critical challenges: social and economic mobility, quality of life, and global competitiveness (BBF Fact Sheet)."

The following is a video showing some of the many accomplishments over the years of the Barbara Bush Foundation for Family Literacy led by Barbara Bush's dedication to this great cause.

Barbara Bush has appeared on other moments on Pol Light. If you would like to see other posts by Barbara Bush on Pol Light search with the label Barbara Bush.

Pol Light does not endorse political candidates. We present a brighter side to politics when they are found on either side of the aisle. We don't have to agree with all of a person's politics to recognize these bright moments.

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The photo of Barbara Bush is in the Public Domain. 

Donald Trump Sends His Private Jet to Transport Sick Boy Across Country

Donald Trump

Pol Light Moment #148 occurred on July 20, 1988, when Donald Trump sent his private jet to transport 3 year old Andrew Ten across the United States to receive medical care. Donald Trump is the 45th and current President of the United States, serving from 2017 to the present.

Andrew Ten was 3 years old in 1988 and he needed to travel from Los Angeles to New York for medical help. The little boy was refused passage on commercial airlines because of the complex life-support system he needed, such as an oxygen tank, suction machine, and breathing bag. Three nurses also traveled with him.

When Rabbi Harold Ten, and his wife Judy, contacted Donald Trump about their son's need, Trump offered his private Boeing 727 to transport Andrew from Los Angeles to New York. The Jewish Telegraphic Agency has more information in their archives on this event from 1988 (Orthodox Jew with Rare Ailment is Rescued Aboard Tycoon's Jet, July 20, 1988).

Sadly Andrew Ten passed away in 2008, ten years after this event. His parents sponsored Camp Avraham Moshe for Jewish teens and young adults with special needs in his honor (Times of Israel, July 20, 2015).

Donald Trump has been featured on other Pol Light posts. To view other posts search the blog with the label Donald Trump.

Pol Light does not endorse political candidates. We present a brighter side to politics when they are found on either side of the aisle. We don't have to agree with all of a person's politics to recognize these bright moments.

The photo in this post of Donald Trump is in the Public Domain.

Clinton and Trump at 2016 Al Smith Dinner

Pol Light Moment #144 occurred on October 20, 2016, when the two people running for President of the United States shared the stage to support Catholic charities and disadvantaged children. Secretary Hillary Clinton and Donald Trump were joint keynote speakers at the 71st Annual Alfred E. Smith Memorial Foundation Dinner in New York, held at the Waldorf Astoria Hotel. Alfred E. Smith was a former Governor of New York, who was the first Catholic Presidential candidate (Wikipedia Page: Alfred E. Smith Memorial Foundation Dinner). The 2016 rendition of this longstanding dinner raised about $6 million for Catholic charities (CBSNews.com, October 21, 2016).

You can listen to the humor and wit of the evening by hearing the address of both keynote speakers who took time out of their busy campaign to spend and evening for charity.

Hillary Clinton's Address

Donald Trump's Address

More information about the Alfred E. Smith Memorial Foundation Dinner can be found at http://www.alsmithfoundation.org/thedinner.html#about. For other posts on Hillary Clinton search with the "Hillary Clinton" label at Pol Light. For other posts on Donald Trump search with the "Donald Trump" label at Pol Light.

Pol Light does not endorse political candidates. We present a brighter side to politics when they are found on either side of the aisle. We don't have to agree with all of a person's politics to recognize these bright moments.

Steve Daines Helps Family Adopt a Child from Congo

Steve Daines

Pol Light Moment #142 happened on May 13, 2016, when a boy named Rocky met Steve Daines, who had helped his Montana parents with his adoption process and assisted Rocky with becoming a US citizen. Steve Daines has been a United States Senator from Montana since 2015. From 2013-2015 he had served as the at-large member from Montana to the US House of Representatives.

Rocky is originally from the Democratic Republic of Congo. Steve Daines worked for three years to help Rocky become an American citizen and be adopted by his parents in Montana.

Below is a video of a news story down by KXLF.com on the story of Rocky meeting Steve Daines a few months after he was adopted by his parents in Montana.
KXLF.com | Continuous News | Butte, Montana




Pol Light does not endorse political candidates. We present a brighter side to politics when they are found on either side of the aisle. We don't have to agree with all of a person's politics to recognize these bright moments.

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The photo of Steve Daines is in the Public Domain.

Ted Cruz Shares About Addiction Problems in His Family

Ted Cruz

Pol Light Moment #140 happened on February 4, 2016, when Ted Cruz shared two stories of addiction problems in his family at the Addiction & Recovery Forum in Hoskett, New Hampshire. Ted Cruz has been a United States Senator from Texas since 2013.

An Addiction & Recovery Forum was held on February 4, 2016, at Emmanuel Baptist Church in Hoskett, New Hampshire. During this forum Ted Cruz shared about his half-sister's battle with prescription drug addiction and his father's struggle with alcoholism.

Here is a video of Ted Cruz sharing about the prescription drug addiction of his older half sister Miriam. Miriam Cruz died on January 11, 2011 of a drug overdose (DailyMail.com, June 29, 2015). Ted Cruz later paid for military school expenses for Miriam's son Joey.

Rafael Cruz, the father of a Ted Cruz, was an alcoholic. Here he tells the story of his father who would recover from his addiction and become a minister. 

More information about Ted Cruz sharing about addiction problems in his family can be found on the Breitbart website.

Ted Cruz has been the subject of other posts on this blog. To find other Ted Cruz posts search with the label "Ted Cruz" on the blog.

Pol Light does not endorse political candidates. We present a brighter side to politics when they are found on either side of the aisle. We don't have to agree with all of a person's politics to recognize these bright moments.

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Photo: The photo of Ted Cruz is in the Public Domain.

Marco Rubio Answers an Atheist's Concerns about His Christian Faith

Marco Rubio

Pol Light Moment #139 took place on January 18, 2016, when Marco Rubio answered an atheist's concern about his Christian faith in a town hall meeting in Waverly, Iowa. Marco Rubio has served as a United States Senator for Florida since January, 2011. 
An atheist named Justin Scott attended a Marco Rubio town hall meeting on January 18, 2016, and asked Rubio the following question:

I’m an atheist voter. I represent millions of atheists and non-theists around the country. One of the fastest growing voter blocs. And you said earlier that you wanted to stand up for religious freedom and all of that. My question is: For atheist voters that are looking for somebody that will uphold their rights as Americans, and not pander to a certain religious group, I just noticed your recent ad. It mentioned nothing about policy, it mentioned nothing about ideas, and it simply talked about wanting us to follow faith, and find God, and go to Heaven, and things like that. Which is fine for those people that align with you. My question is: how do you plan on upholding our rights and focusing on non-theists… because there’s talks in our community about running as “pastor in chief” instead of commander in chief, so I’m curious your thoughts (Patheos, Asking Marco Rubio How He'd Protect the Rights of Atheists is not a Gotcha Question, Hemant Mehta, January 21, 2016). 

Here is a video that Justin Scott recorded and placed on YouTube of the answer Marco Rubio gave.

In part of his response to the atheist Justin Scott, Marco Rubio said:

We are also going to have a country where no one is forced to violate their conscience, which means that no one is going to force you to believe in God. But, no one is going to force me to stop talking about God. I am not going to force you to pray. I am not going to force you to go to church. I am not going to force you to espouse beliefs that you don't have. But, no one is going to take away my right and your right to live out the teachings of your faith — no one.

You shouldn't be worried about my faith influencing me. In fact, I think you should hope my faith influences me and here's why. You know what my faith teaches me? My faith teaches me that I have an obligation to care for the less fortunate. My faith teaches me that I have an obligation to love my neighbor. My faith teaches me that I have an obligation for those who are hungry to help try to feed them; for those that are naked, to help clothe them. My faith teaches me that I have an obligation that I need to minister to those in prison. My faith teaches me that I have an obligation that if I want to serve Jesus that I have to serve [others]. I think you should hope that influences me (Marco Rubio as quoted by The Christian Post, Rubio to Atheist, Samuel Smith, January 19, 2016).

For more information on this moment when Marco Rubio answered an atheist read these articles:

• Legal Insurrection.com, Marco Rubio Answers Atheist on Question of Faith, Kemberlee Kaye, January 19, 2016
• Time.com, Marco Rubio Finds God with Atheist Question in Iowa, Zeke J. Miller, January 19, 2016
• The Christian Post, Rubio to Atheist, Samuel Smith, January 19, 2016

Marco Rubio has been featured on other Pol Light posts. To view all Marco Rubio posts search with the "Marco Rubio" label at Pol Light.   Pol Light does not endorse political candidates. We present a brighter side to politics when they are found on either side of the aisle. We don't have to agree with all of a person's politics to recognize these bright moments.
Photo in this Post: "Marco Rubio, Official Portrait, 112th Congress" by US Senate - Email from the Office of Senator Marco Rubio. Licensed under Public Domain via Commons.

Ronald Reagan Pens Letter Clarifying His Views on the Ku Klux Klan

Ronald Reagan

Pol Light Moment #137 occurred on April 30, 1984, when Ronald Reagan sent a letter to the Chairman of the Commission on Civil Rights concerning his views on the Ku Klux Klan. Ronald Reagan was the 40th President of the United States, serving from 1981-1989.

Below is the content of the letter that Ronald Reagan sent to The Honorable Morris B. Abram, the chair of the Commission on Civil Rights, on April 30, 1984.

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April 30, 1984 

Dear Morris:

While in China, I have been distressed to learn that some individuals back home have questioned whether my views on the Ku Klux Klan have somehow changed since 1980. Nothing could be further from the truth.

In 1980, I said that I have no tolerance for what the Klan represents, and would have nothing to do with any groups of that type. If anything, my feelings on this subject have only grown stronger. The politics of racial hatred and religious bigotry practiced by the Klan and others have no place in this country, and are destructive of the values for which America has always stood. Those of us in public life can only resent the use of our names by those who seek political recognition for the repugnant doctrines of hate they espouse.

I firmly believe that there is no room for partisanship on this question. Democrats and Republicans alike must be resolute in disassociating ourselves from any group or individual whose political philosophy consists only of racial or religious intolerance, whose arguments are supported only by intimidation or threats of violence.

We must, and will, continue our unified rejection of such elements of hate in our political life, for while there are many issues which divide us, it is fundamental principles such as this which will always draw us together.

Sincerely,
Ronald Reagan


[The Honorable Morris B. Abram, U.S. Commission on Civil Rights, 1121 Vermont Avenue, N.W., Washington, D.C. 20425]

Source: Reagan Library Archives

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Ronald Reagan has been featured on other Pol Light posts. To view all Ronald Reagan posts search with the Ronald Reagan label at Pol Light.

Pol Light does not endorse political candidates. We present a brighter side to politics when they are found on either side of the aisle. We don't have to agree with all of a person's politics to recognize these bright moments.

The photo of Ronald Reagan is in the Public Domain.

Marco Rubio Stops Rally to Pray for Elderly Man Who Collapsed

Marco Rubio

Pol Light Moment #135 took place on February 19, 2016, when Marco Rubio stopped his speech to say a spontaneous prayer for an elderly man who had collapsed at his rally in South Carolina. Marco Rubio has served as a United States Senator for Florida since January, 2011. 
It was the eve of the South Carolina Presidential Primary on February 19, 2016, and Marco Rubio was speaking at a campaign rally at the Madren Center on the campus of Clemson University. During his speech to about 400 people an elderly man collapsed and needed medical attention. When the situation happened, Marco Rubio stopped his speech and offered a prayer for the man.
The following is a video of this moment when Marco Rubio prayed for the man who had collapsed at the rally. 

The words of the prayer that Marco Rubio uttered were:

Father Lord we thank you for bringing us here together tonight. We ask you to pray for our brother at this moment that you would put your hand upon him Lord. And that you will help him to deal with whatever circumstances he might be facing. God, all things are possible for you. Lord, you can do everything so Lord we ask for your blessing upon him now and we ask for your blessings upon those of us here today. If any of us has the ability to provide assistance Lord, that we may do that now. We thank you God for all your blessings and ask you God that your spirit would come upon this place and provide assistance to this gentleman at this key moment. That you Lord may do whatever needs to be done father that he may recover from what he is facing. In your son's name we pray Amen (Transcribed from YouTube video at CBN News by Alan Stokes).

Thankfully the man regained consciousness and was laughing and smiling with emergency medical personnel when they arrived (Greenville Online, Rubio Leads Campaign Rally in Prayer after Man Collapses, Amanda Coyne, February 19, 2016).

For more information on this moment read, the article Marco Rubio Stops to Pray for Elderly Man Who Collapses at Campaign Rally, published in the Christian Post on February 21, 2016.

Marco Rubio has been featured on other Pol Light posts. To view all Marco Rubio posts search with the "Marco Rubio" label at Pol Light.   Pol Light does not endorse political candidates. We present a brighter side to politics when they are found on either side of the aisle. We don't have to agree with all of a person's politics to recognize these bright moments.
Photo in this Post: "Marco Rubio, Official Portrait, 112th Congress" by US Senate - Email from the Office of Senator Marco Rubio. Licensed under Public Domain via Commons.

Laura Bush Foundation for America's Libraries Formed

Laura Bush

Pol Light Moment #132 occurred in 2002, when Laura Bush founded the Laura Bush Foundation for America's Libraries. Laura Bush was the First Lady of the United States while her husband George W. Bush served as the President of the United States from 2001-2009.

The Laura Bush Foundation for America’s Libraries was started in 2002 as a fund of The Community Foundation for the National Capital Region in Washington DC.  In 2014 the Foundation moved to Dallas, Texas and became part of the George W. Bush Foundation.

Here is a video of Laura Bush distributing grants to school libraries in 2015.

Laura Bush was a school librarian from 1972-1977 (National First Ladies Library).  In keeping with her background, her foundation has helped pass on a love of reading to young people in needy communities. The following is the mission today of The Laura Bush Foundation for America's Libraries:

The Laura Bush Foundation for America's Libraries provides funds to our Nation's neediest schools so that they can extend, update, and diversify the book and print collections in their libraries with the goal of encouraging students to develop a love of reading and learning (Laura Bush Foundation/About).

Pol Light does not endorse political candidates. We present a brighter side to politics when they are found on either side of the aisle. We don't have to agree with all of a person's politics to recognize these bright moments.

The photo of Laura Bush is in the Public Domain.

Edward Brooke Raises Male Breast Cancer Awareness

Edward Brooke

Pol Light Moment #128 occurred on June 4, 2003, when Edward Brooke (1919-2015) started to raise awareness for male breast cancer. Edward Brooke served as a United States Senator from Massachusetts from 1967-1979. Prior to that he had served as the Attorney General of Massachusetts from 1963-1967.

Edward Brooke was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2002 and in September 2002 had a double mastectomy. After a period of recovery and reflection on June 4, 2003, Brooke started to share his story about male breast cancer in order to raise awareness for this rare condition. He would continue to speak on that subject as he had opportunity for the next 12 years of his life.

Edward Brooke said the following in June 2003 about raising awareness of male breast cancer:

I want to produce some male breast cancer awareness on a national level. I'm a very private person, but if I have to give up my privacy to save a life, then I am willing to do that. Because if you have breast tissue, you can get breast cancer. Don't forget that (Edward Brooke as quoted in USA Today, Sen. Brooke Advocates Male Breast Cancer Awareness, June 24, 2003).

The American Cancer Society indicates that 1 in 1,000 men will develop breast cancer (Dr. Sharon Giordano, Breast Cancer Research Foundation, Tackling the Rare and Under-Researched Area of Male Breast Cancer, January 23, 2015). Men are less likely than women to get screened for breast cancer because it is a rare disease for them. This can make the prognosis more dire and stresses the importance of famous men like Edward Brooke raising awareness of breast cancer.

The following are some links on Edward Brooke and his crusade for male breast cancer awareness.

• The New York Times, Surprise Roll for Ex-Senator: Male Breast Cancer Patient, Lynette Clemetson, June 10, 2003.
• USA Today, Sen. Brooke Advocates Male Breast Cancer Awareness, June 24, 2003.
• Beliefnet, Famous Men Who Battled Breast Cancer.

Edward Brooke has been featured on other posts at Pol Light. To view them search the blog with the label "Edward Brooke".

Pol Light does not endorse political candidates. We present a brighter side to politics when they are found on either side of the aisle. We don't have to agree with all of a person's politics to recognize these bright moments.

The photo of Edward Brooke is in the Public Domain.

Edward Brooke is First Popularly Elected African American Senator

Edward Brooke

Pol Light Moment #127 occurred on January 10, 1967, when Edward Brooke (1919-2015) took office as the first popularly elected African American to the United States Senate. Edward Brooke served as a United States Senator from Massachusetts from 1967-1979. Prior to that he had served as the Attorney General of Massachusetts from 1963-1967.

The following news story gives tributes to Edward Brooke after his passing on January 3, 2015.

More information about Edward Booke is available at these links.

• Daily Kos, January 10, 1967 - An Important First in American Political History, January 11, 2012
• Washington Post, Edward Burke, first African American Popularly Elected to U.S. Senate, Dies at 95, January 3, 2015
• Wikipedia: Edward Brooke

Edward Brooke has been featured on other posts at Pol Light. To view them search the blog with the label "Edward Brooke".

Pol Light does not endorse political candidates. We present a brighter side to politics when they are found on either side of the aisle. We don't have to agree with all of a person's politics to recognize these bright moments.

The photo of Edward Brooke is in the Public Domain.

William Howard Taft Throws First Presidential Pitch

William Howard Taft

Pol Light Moment #126 occurred on April 14, 1910, when William Howard Taft (1857-1930) threw the first ceremonial Presidential pitch on the opening day of the Major League Baseball season. In doing so Taft started an opening day tradition carried on by almost all Presidents who followed him. William Howard Taft served as President of the United States from 1909-1913.

The baseball game William Howard Taft threw his Presidential pitch at was played on April 14, 1910 in Washington D.C.. In the game the Washington Senators defeated the Philadelphia Athletics 3-0 and Walter Johnson was the winning pitcher with a complete game shutout (Society for American Baseball Research, Walter Johnson Impresses President Taft on Opening Day, Steven V. Rice).

A story in The Washington Post about the game said,

President Taft threw the first ball into the diamond and opened the season with a true presidential flourish. He did it with his good, trusty right arm and the virgin sphere scudded across the diamond as a die to the pitcher's box, where Walter Johnson, also the possessor of a good trusty right arm, gathered it in and started winding up for one of his rifle shots across the plate (Taft Tosses Ball, The Washington Post, April 15, 1910 as quoted in Boundary Stones blog, April 13, 2015).

A day after the game Walter Johnson sent the ball that was thrown for the ceremonial first pitch to William Howard Taft and asked that he sign it for him. President Taft signed it along with an inscription, "For Walter Johnson, with the hope that he may continue to be as formidable as in yesterday's game (Society for American Baseball Research, Walter Johnson Impresses President Taft on Opening Day, Steven V. Rice)." Indeed Walter Johnson went on to have a hall of fame baseball career winning 417 games from 1907-1927.

Steve Goldman wrote a history of Presidential first pitches for SB Nation.

Pol Light does not endorse political candidates. We present a brighter side to politics when they are found on either side of the aisle. We don't have to agree with all of a person's politics to recognize these bright moments.

The photo of William Howard Taft is in the Public Domain.

Robert Dole Shares About Turning 90

Robert Dole

Pol Light Moment #124 occurred on July 22, 2013, when Robert Dole talked about turning 90. Robert Dole served as a United States Senator from Kansas from 1969-1996. Dole was the Senate Majority Leader in 1995-1996 and the Senate Minority Leader from 1987-1995. Prior to serving as a senator he served in the House of Representatives from 1961-1969.

Here is the televised interview with Bob Dole about his 90th birthday.

In the video Bob Dole thanked the people of Kansas for their support over the years. Dole said, "I've had a great life. Kansas - the people, have been good to me. And I want to say thak you to them for voting for me (KSHB.com, Mark Clegg, Former Senator Bob Dole Reflects on Kansas, Washingon, and the GOP As He Turns 90, July 22, 2013)."

At the occasion of turning 90, Dole mentioned how he wants to be remembered. He said, "I'd just like people to remember me as somebody who kept the faith, had integrity and honesty - but above all, knowing who I was and where I was from (KSHB.com, Mark Clegg, Former Senator Bob Dole Reflects on Kansas, Washingon, and the GOP As He Turns 90, July 22, 2013)."

Robert Dole has been featured on other Pol Light posts. Find them under the label of Robert Dole on the blog.

Pol Light does not endorse political candidates. We present a brighter side to politics when they are found on either side of the aisle. We don't have to agree with all of a person's politics to recognize these bright moments.

The photo of Robert Dole is in the Public Domain.