This is great — heroes and real statesmen are too few today!

They bring to mind past such statesmen of the Congress, most especially one I had the great privilege of sharing a stage with in years past: the late Rep. George Hansen (R-Idaho)

This man was a giant in more than his physical stature. His courage was unparalleled. Those who know his story — of the federal government’s retribution against him for the writing and publishing of his expose of the I.R.S. entitled “To Harass our People” — know what torture he and his family were put through for standing up for liberty.

Tragically, George’s passing last week a month shy of his 84th birthday went virtually unnoticed. Such is the sad state of affairs — and conscience and remembrance — in our land today.

But I remember this great man with love and admiration. I treasure the too few times I was in his presence; at liberty forums, expos and over coffee. I will treasure our photos together. I treasure his warmly autographed “first generation” copy of his book to me, one of the most precious of a collection of thousands of books.

George Hansen’s life will one day receive greater prominence, when future historians look back to those patriots who stood in the gap and fought their best as their liberties and nation crumbled. He should have been appreciated far more in this life; and at his death. As these things sadly so often go, his greatness will only fully be appreciated long after even those of you reading this are gone.

Now, we look to the Ron Pauls and Walter Jones’ and others to stand in the gap — and can thank our Heavenly Father that the torch has been passed to them.