July 25, 2019 - Issue: Vol. 165, No. 126 — Daily Edition116th Congress (2019 - 2020) - 1st Session

[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E996]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




   TRIBUTE TO AUTHOR AND POLITICAL THEORIST OF 20TH CENTURY AMERICAN 
                     CONSERVATISM, DR. RUSSELL KIRK

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. JOHN R. MOOLENAAR

                              of michigan

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, July 25, 2019

  Mr. MOOLENAAR. Madam Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to the late 
Dr. Russell Kirk, a political theorist, moralist, historian, and 
literary critic, in honor of the historical marker being placed at his 
beloved home and library in Mecosta, Michigan next month.
  As a resident of Mecosta County and a Michigan native, Dr. Kirk led 
numerous seminars on political theory, culture and virtue while 
teaching fellows and students for over 40 years, a tradition that his 
gracious wife, Annette Kirk, still values and honors today through the 
Russell Kirk Center. Since his passing in 1994, his home has become an 
educational destination for continued interest in his work by students 
and scholars alike.
  As the author of thirty-two books covering topics from political 
theory to cultural criticism, Dr. Kirk is considered one of the 
preeminent thinkers of his time. His first published book in 1953, The 
Conservative Mind: From Burke to Eliot, is one of the most widely 
reviewed and discussed studies of political ideals in America. Along 
with his subsequent writings on the topic, Dr. Kirk shaped the modern 
ideas of American conservatism. As an elite scholar, Dr. Kirk shared 
his brilliance through his prodigious literary works and received one 
of our nation's highest honors when President Ronald Reagan conferred 
the Presidential Citizens Medal upon him in 1989.
  Dr. Kirk found his true joy in addressing college audiences because 
he believed the key to the lasting success of conservative ideas rested 
on shaping the cultural and moral beliefs of the next generation. In 
his books, articles, speeches, and interviews, Dr. Kirk shaped the 
thinking of generations of conservatives around the world. His ideas 
have personally helped me in forming my own beliefs and it is a 
privilege to pay special tribute to Dr. Kirk and his legacy today.
  On behalf of the Fourth Congressional District of Michigan, I am 
honored to recognize Dr. Russell Kirk's illustrious career and extend 
my appreciation for his hard work and dedication. The historical marker 
in front of his cherished home in Mecosta will help ensure his ideas 
live on for future generations.

                          ____________________