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The Carl Levin I know is one fine man
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This is to applaud the editors of the Post-Gazette for the tribute to U.S. Sen. Carl Levin of Michigan on March 13 in "A Giant Bows Out." In addition to all of the attributes mentioned in your editorial, I would add that I know Carl Levin first and foremost as a man of the people. He never has let his considerable power change who he is -- a compassionate, caring and unpretentious human being.
Let me provide some personal anecdotes to illustrate his character. When I was president of a state university in Michigan, our hockey team was playing a game for the league championship in Detroit. After the game, Carl Levin joined the athletes, student cheerleaders and me at a pep rally. In typical fashion, Sen. Levin sat on the floor with the students to congratulate them and to share in their joy. He talked to them about their studies and their futures and didn't get off the floor for over two hours!
On another occasion, when our hockey team had won the national championship, President Bill Clinton invited us to the White House. Carl Levin gave us a private tour, put his arm around each player and introduced each of them by name to President Clinton in the Rose Garden. He was like a kid in a candy store. Later, he carried the luggage of the coach to the airplane for the trip back to Michigan. There is quite a man.
We indeed need more public leaders like Sen. Carl Levin. He will be sorely missed by the people of Michigan and the nation. Well done, Sen. Levin, and God speed in the years ahead.
ROBERT D. ARBUCKLE
Washington Township, Armstrong County
First Published March 20, 2013 12:00 am
