James Inhofe, R.I.P.

Former U.S. Senator James Inhofe (R-OK) was a stalwart

conservative in his political career; uncompromising on

principles, a loyal public servant to his constituents, and

a well-rounded gentleman. 

Inhofe, who died on July 9 after suffering a stroke over the

holiday weekend, served in the Oklahoma legislature and 

as mayor of Tulsa as well as a member of the U.S. House 

of Representatives for seven years, then nearly 30 years 

in the U.S. Senate. A military veteran, Inhofe was the ranking

Republican on the Senate Armed Service Committee when he

retired, and had previously been the chairman of the committee

succeeding the late Sen. John McCain (R-AZ). He has been 

praised for being a driving force for growing and modernizing 

the U.S. military, as well as for being a strong proponent of 

The U.S. energy industry and an opponent of the present 

climate science pronouncements. As chairman of the Senate

Committee on Environment and Public Works he once brought  

a snowball onto the Senate floor in an attempt to disprove global

warming, earning many headlines in the process. Speaking on 

the Senate floor at the time Inhofe said "Climate is changing and

climate has always changed ... The hoax is that there are some 

people who are so arrogant to think that they are so powerful they 

can change climate. Man can't change climate." Sen. Inhofe wasn't 

one to mince words.

In addition, the late senator had long advocated for making English 

the national language of the United States, pushing for its inclusion 

in an amendment to immigration legislation.  A military-trained pilot,

Inhofe once helped a plane fly around the world. In Congress he was 

instrumental in passing the pilot's bill of rights, which he championed

when the Federal Aviation Administration cited the senator in 2010 

for landing on a closed runway. 

When campaigning for what would be his final term in the Senate

at the age of 85, he faced openly stated concerns about his age and 

its effect on his ability to perform his senate duties. His response was 

to fly a plane upside down to announce his candidacy for a fifth term.

"When I can no longer fly a plane upside down, then I'm too old to be

in the United States Senate," he declared in a campaign ad. 

A most remarkable man, a fine public servant, and a solid patriot. 

We were lucky to have him with us for these past 89 years. 

God rest you, Senator, and thank you for your many services.

MEM