Tribute to Dolores Dickman

TRIBUTE TO DOLORES DICKMAN -- (Extensions of Remarks - February 03, 2004)

SPEECH OF
HON. DIANA DeGETTE
OF COLORADO
IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 3, 2004

Ms. DeGETTE. Mr. Speaker, I would like to recognize the wonderful life and exceptional accomplishments of a remarkable woman in the 1st Congressional District of Colorado. It is both fitting and proper that we recognize this distinguished citizen for her impressive record of civic leadership and invaluable service. It is to commend this eminent citizen that I rise to honor Dolores Dickman.

Dolores Dickman has been on the front lines of progress for decades and has proven to be a potent force in transforming the landscape of our city and State. Her indomitable spirit has sustained her through many challenges and molded a life of notable accomplishment. Dolores came to our community from her native Kansas and graduated from the University of Denver. She has used her talents and skills to advance the public good and the well being of working men and women. She has been a political activist, labor leader and has remained in the vanguard of those dedicated to economic and social justice. Dolores was the first woman State director of the Committee on Political Action for the AFL-CIO and was a powerful advocate for the rights of working people and the well being of our families. Some of us do not comprehend how far we've come. There was a time when fundamental decency and equity for working people were not part of our shared values.
Dolores worked along side Ceasar Chavez, brought food to striking workers and has engaged in the struggles that have improved the human condition. At the international level, Histadrut has honored her for her immeasurable contributions to the labor movement in Israel. For all of her efforts in this regard, we owe Dolores a great debt of gratitude.

Those who know Dolores know that politics matter. She is well known for her outspoken commentary and years of service to the Democratic Party. She marched in Selma for the civil liberties of all people. She took a seat on a plane next to Martin Luther King, Jr. to share her thoughts and visited then President John F. Kennedy at the White House. She has recruited notable civic leaders for public office and has been instrumental in winning many local, State and national elections. Dolores has been the recipient of numerous public honors and has been characterized as the "grand dame of North Denver politics" and a political "powerhouse." While all of these truly reflect the standing and regard in which we hold Dolores, I would simply add that she has the rare ability to balance pragmatism and high purpose, which is uncommon among those engaged in public life. She knows that politics is not easy nor has it ever been. Dolores has perspective-she knows that the contest is never over and the field is never quite taken. I remember Dolores referencing in a Denver Post column that all the political posturing in the world doesn't mean squat if people don't vote. As usual, Dolores cuts to the heart of the matter. She understands what is vital to our democracy as well as what is important in the calculus of public affairs.

The contributions of Dolores Dickman are rich in consequence and on behalf of the citizens of the 1st Congressional District of Colorado, I wish to express our gratitude. Her service, accomplishments and civic virtue command our respect and admiration. Please join me in paying tribute to Dolores Dickman, a distinguished citizen. It is the values, leadership and commitment she exhibits on a daily basis that serve to build a better future for all Americans.