Jul 20, 2010

Tribute to Vin Weber

Remarks by Carl Gershman
At the Democracy Service Medal Presentation to the Honorable Vin Weber

For eight years the National Endowment for Democracy was privileged to have Vin Weber as the Chairman of its Board. He was a superb Chairman. It wasn’t just that he was always available when needed, or that he invariably managed a very heavy agenda with an easy-going authority and unmistakable aplomb. Even more important was his wholehearted embrace of the NED’s bipartisan character and his proud identification with the spirit and the purpose of its mission.

Starting as a relative newcomer to the multi-faceted and far-ranging world of democracy promotion, he quickly became familiar with the main players and issues, earned the trust of all the elements of what is commonly termed “the NED family,” and, as his understanding of the NED’s work grew, became a sophisticated and articulate voice for international democracy assistance in the broader policy and political communities.

Vin was successful as NED’s Chairman for the same reasons he is such a respected figure in Washington and in his home state of Minnesota. He’s politically insightful and a sound judge of character. He remains true to his principles while always showing respect for his opponents. He can be an effective defender of his party’s position even as he seeks out bipartisan common ground.

He’s modest to a fault, which is one reason he always felt so comfortable with the NED’s practice of staying in the background and giving prime credit to the activists and grantees on the front lines of democratic struggle. And he’s devoted to public service, which is how he treated his chairmanship, always putting his commitment to the NED’s mission ahead of all other considerations. In short, he consistently demonstrates character, integrity and democratic conviction.

Democracy needs people like Vin Weber who are fervent in their convictions, moderate in their behavior, and vigilant in their defense of democratic values.

These are attributes that have anchored American democracy since its founding and that are today shared by people throughout the world who are striving to live in freedom. Because Vin exemplifies these attributes and the universal values in which they are rooted, and with gratitude for his leadership and dedication, the National Endowment for Democracy is proud to award its Democracy Service Medal to Vin Weber.

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