President Clinton speaks on Jim Oberstar's Death

Losing someone is always hard no matter who you are. We are not here to stay we are strangers to this planet. So please stop taking life for granted and go out and something that you want to do that you are yet to do. This may sound cliche but it is true. Nothing here is for you and can not be taken with us so appreciate people more and materials less. We have come to live for materials instead of actually really living for life.

I was saddened to learn of the death of Jim Oberstar. Besides being Minnesota's longest-serving Congressman and a legend to his constituents in the Iron Range, Jim was a devoted friend and supporter of the Haitian people. I relied on him for advice on Haiti first as President and again after the terrible Haitian earthquake in 2010. 

Jim was a good friend, a true and tireless public servant, and I’ll miss his great energy and big heart. My thoughts and prayers are with Jean and his entire family.