The Values of Alexander Hamilton

During his (New York) Assembly tenure that (1787) spring, Hamilton voted on two measures that suggested ambivalent feelings about his childhood.

Oddly enough, he supported a bill making it impossible for people divorced due to adultery to remarry. Such a draconian statute in the Danish West Indies had prevented Hamilton's parents from legitimizing his birth. If this vote suggests some latest hostility toward his mother, another vote betokens tenderness for her.

Remembering Michael Schwartz

Michael Schwartz passed away yesterday.  At the end of November, Senator Coburn honored Michael on the Senate floor.

   Mr. COBURN. Mr. President, I wish to take a moment to honor a member of my staff who is not retiring but as a result of his ailment can no longer come to work on the Hill. This gentleman's name is Michael Schwartz. He has been my chief of staff for almost 15 years, beginning while I was in the House and here in the Senate as well.

   A lot of people on the Hill know Michael. What they know is that he is one of the kindest, gentlest people anyone has ever met. He has been a light focused on how we do things to honor other people.