***BREAKING NEWS*** Barney Frank Passed At 86

[AdamGG]

50. He was my Congressman for many years

When I lived in Brookline, MA. He didn't just stand up for issues that mattered, he always brought a wit and intelligence that enlivened the discussion and called out deceptive tactics by the other side.

One funny line from early in his career, I think he was serving on the Boston City Council at the time (though it could be something else), but they were discussing initial proposals for "The Big Dig" to move the elevated I-93 underground through the heart of Boston. When costs were quoted, which were a small fraction of what the project actually ended up actually costing, Barney said, "why don't they just raise the city?"

His wit was entertaining, but it also frequently highlighted the absurdity of those on the other side. We could use a lot more Barney Franks.

RIP