Death of Congressman Tom Lantos

I am deeply saddened by the passing early this morning of Tom Lantos. Tom Lantos was a genuine American hero. He came to America as a refugee from totalitarianism, and he became a remarkable contributor to American political, civic and cultural life.

Tom spoke to the best of American ideals. He was a staunch defender of freedom and an implacable foe of tyranny. No one could miss the compelling moral force of his vision. And yet he spoke unfailingly in an open and inviting and gentlemanly manner.