Date: 1989-05-16
Speaker: SUSAN OHARA (republican)
Chamber: H

Alexandria. VA DEAR MRS. OHARA: About a dozen years ago. just after the Chairman had returned from the House. I found myself in a small caucus In a hearing room with him and a few others exchanging witticisms and wisdom unique to those moments of a lobbyist with a witness waiting to testify and also waiting for the committee to return from a vote on the floor. One of my colleagues suggested a breakfast meeting toward a useful purpose the following week. I replied that I was not free that particular morning. since I had to attend a service in memory of my father on the anniversary of the day he had died some 10 or more years before. My colleague looked puzzled so I explained that In that corner of the world In which I grew up birthdays were for children to celebrate. After the celebration was along the lines I had just mentioned. The reason had been explained to me when I was perhaps eight years old. My grandfather had said that a mans life is like a ships Journey. While we are pleased to see it commence with flags and bunting flying and bands playing and a great deal of hope. the fact is the beginning of the Journey was full of apprehension and trepidation. No one knew If the ship was worthy of Its task. Would It withstand storms at sea. pirates that might attach it. navigational errors. shortage of proper food and water. even perhaps a mutiny within. But when a ship was seen from the lookout on shore approaching safe harbor that was a time of great celebration. Even if the sails were somewhat tattered. even if strong beams of lumber were split or scarred. even if there were burns from battles. even if the entire ship looked somewhat the worse for wear. its arrival into port was a victory over time and experience. It had met its challenge. It had done its duty. It now could come home to peace. So. too. with a complete mans life. I remember Jim OHara listening intently to this tale. as he did so remarkably well when he counseled those who were creating a new education appropriations lobby on how to use the House of Representatives special nature and rules to achieve our goals or when younger colleagues caught him as he was leaving the House floor and sought advice on a bill. on an amendment. on almost anything to do with the nature of the legislative process. Or when witnesses appeared before him during his chairmanships of subcommittees. Jim OHara with his head sort of cocked. one eye a little more than the other. and quizzical smile on his face listened to my disquisition. He did not comment. I suspected that the legend resonated within his warm Irish soul. For many of us he had a very special gift of strength. Lobbyists would cross any other Member before crossing him. and yet. ironIcally. I never heard a story of anyone hurt by Jim OHara. He enjoyed irony and teaching and helping all at the same time. I remember well going to him very formally while I was still very much a novice In the business and the DavisBacon Act was up for amendment. As a representative of research universities I had been sent to reason over the impact of proposed OHara amendments that would require universities to pay graduate students salaries comparable to scientists doing identical work in the community. Mr. OHara listened. again with a smile. as I laid out my torturous but. I hoped. reasonable argument. Then he said. "Jerry. Im going to do what you ask me. but I want you to know its not because of your argument. despite its length. The fact is I want to get this bill through and I dont want you people involved. You fellows in higher education rarely can get anything done. but you really have the gift for screwing things up." He leaned back and laughed. As I remember. I did. too. but probably for a different reason. He could help. chide and keep things In balanceall at the same time. While not an intimate of Mr. OHara I considered it a special privilege to work with him and. when opportunities presented themselves. to support what he sought to achieve. He remains for many of us an enviable human being who took joy in describing his most recent boating extravaganza on the continent. the limitless demands of a recent client. or a triumph of legislative skill on trie House floor. Ie loved his family. his friends. his life. and enjoyed them all. For many of us who insist on believing that the values of Jim OHara are worth pursuing whatever the scorecard of a particular day says. he will remain a leader of integrity. a rare and Joyful man. I wish that you may take much joy and comfort from the memory of Jim OHara. Sincerely yours.