Discussion for article #228153
Farewell, you crazy old man.
Though you made some mistakes, the time you spent representing the people often was dedicated to saying uncomfortable truths to the powerful – which needs to be done more often.
Sleep well.
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I will always remember him for the horrid toupee he wore as long as I can remember. He was a character, and always entertaining to watch on the floor of the house
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Traficant was THE original reality show.
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R.I.P. Traficant!
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Thank you for that perspective. I was not politically plugged in during his time so I only heard the scandal side of things.
We all leave a footprint, it’s good to know parts of his footprint made a difference, or at least tried to. The powerful do need to be challenged … often!
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This is sad on so many levels. He was ‘crazy as a fox’. He played the buffoon while totally representing his district. RIP Jim. You brought us all many ‘moments’.
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Yes he was a hoot. Any time there was a story about him back in the day I would stop and listen and then buy a newspaper for the details and background. A true original, from his delivery on issues to his sports jackets and bell bottoms,and of course his toupees. Even when he was released from prison - after 7 years - his supporters still held a big party for him. R.I.P.
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He was bat shit crazy, before bat shit crazy was cool.
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He represented my hometown, and his constituents were loyal to the end. The Youngstown Ohio area epitomized the term “rustbelt,” and Jim played the champion of the forgotten steelworker to the hilt.
Some felt he acted outregeous in order to draw attention to his district…
He died in the same hospital I was born in, and where my dad died.
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