Top Points:
Unwavering Principles and Advocacy: Jim Inhofe, Oklahoma's longest-serving U.S. Senator, was renowned for his tough-talking demeanor and relentless stand on conservative principles. Even when his beliefs were unpopular, he stood firm, notably opposing climate change initiatives and advocating for national defense.
Commitment to Public Service: Inhofe's dedication to serving his constituents and the nation was evident in his long career. He timed his 2022 resignation to minimize costs to taxpayers and consistently pushed for rebuilding the American military. His decision to override President Trump's veto of the National Defense Appropriations bill showcased his prioritization of defense over political alignment.
Personal Integrity and Faith: Beyond politics, Inhofe was deeply religious and compassionate. He traveled to Africa at his own expense to pray with heads of state and maintained respectful relationships with colleagues, even those with opposing views. His personal integrity and dedication to faith were central to his life and career.
Full Report:
Former Senate colleagues and conservative Americans mourn the loss of Oklahoma's longest-serving and staunchly conservative U.S. Senator, Jim Inhofe, who passed away at age 89.
James Mountain Inhofe, a name synonymous with unwavering principles and relentless advocacy, left an indelible mark on American politics. Known for his tough-talking demeanor and ever-quotable remarks, Inhofe stood firm in his beliefs, even when they were unpopular.
In 2014, at the age of 80, Inhofe was asked when he planned to retire. His response was quintessentially Inhofe: "When I can no longer fly my Cessna [twin-engine plane] upside down!" A testament to his adventurous spirit, Inhofe learned to fly during his time in the U.S. Army in 1956 and continued his love of aviation throughout his life. In 1991, he became the second U.S. Representative to fly solo across the Atlantic.
Inhofe's decision to retire in 2022 came after his beloved wife Kay, the mother of their four children, fell seriously ill. Always considerate of taxpayers, he timed his resignation to coincide with the already-scheduled primary and general elections, ensuring no extra costs for electing his successor, fellow conservative Republican Markwayne Mullin.
"Inhofe, Climate Change Denier, Dies," read obituaries from mainstream media outlets. As one of the first senators to denounce the growing calls to address global warming, Inhofe was a prominent figure in the debate on climate change. As chair of the Senate Environment Committee, he became a top target of the green movement and authored the book "The Great Hoax" on climate change.
"We heard it all in the 1970s when we were told the change in climate would bring us a new ice age and it didn't happen," he once told Newsmax. "So now we're supposed to believe the earth will overheat? No wonder they stopped calling it global warming and just say 'climate change!'"
National defense was Inhofe's greatest passion. As chairman of the Senate Armed Services Committee from 2017, he vigorously pursued the cause of rebuilding the American military. In early 2021, Inhofe defied outgoing President Donald Trump by leading the charge to override his veto of the National Defense Appropriations bill. Although Inhofe agreed with Trump on liability protections for tech companies, he believed the defense measure was too important to be delayed.
"I always had a good relationship with the president, and when he called me, he spoke to each of my ten grandchildren," Inhofe told Newsmax. "He may not call me again after this."
Former Sen. Rick Santorum, R-Pa., recounted his own experience with Inhofe's unwavering support. "After I eventually won Iowa, I called a couple of friends in the near-term upcoming states to support me," Santorum said. "In the end, only two did, but the first was Jim Inhofe. Without hesitation, he said, 'You're the best conservative in the race, and I trust you.'"
Inhofe surprised many by opposing the elimination of "earmarks," arguing that ending them meant unelected bureaucrats would determine funding for special projects instead of elected members of Congress.
A deeply religious man, Inhofe frequently traveled to Africa at his own expense to pray with African heads of state. His dedication to his faith and his never-say-die attitude defined his long and storied career.
Jim Inhofe's legacy as a steadfast conservative and a principled leader will be remembered by many. He was a gentleman who, despite his firm beliefs, maintained respect for colleagues with whom he disagreed. Gary Hoitsma, Inhofe's Senate press secretary for eight years, recalled his boss as a kind, faith-filled, and humor-filled friend, even amidst the political battles in Washington.
Original Story by John Gizzi, Newsmax
.png)
Comments