Ed Perry
Felix Edwin Perry, known as Ed Perry (March 9, 1942[1] – January 15, 2019), was from 1968 to 2000 a Democratic member of the Mississippi House of Representatives for the district based in Oxford. He was a strong advocate for the main campus of the University of Mississippi located in his district. After leaving the legislature, Perry served as the House clerk, the top administrative post in the chamber.[2]
For a time, Perry was the chairman of the House Appropriations Committee and the Judiciary A committee, which oversees criminal and civil law. He ran for House Speaker in 1988 but lost to Tim Ford of Tupelo, a fellow Democrat.[2]
A lawyer known for his oratory, Perry frequently recited what is called "the whiskey speech", first given in the 1950s by another representative, Noah "Soggy"" Sweat. The speech examines the issue of legal liquor sales and shows how lawmakers can justify either stand that they take. The speech contends that opposition to liquor sales is justified because drink is "a bloody monster that defiles innocence"; on the advocacy side, drink can "enable a man to magnify his joy and his happiness."[2]
His former colleague, Representative Steve Holland of Plantersville, described the whiskey speech as "worldwide famous" because Perry used it so many times at public gatherings. Holland termed Perry "one of the most brilliant legislators that ever served."[2]
Perry's legislative papers are housed in the University of Mississippi Library.[2]
References
- ↑ Edwin Perry. Mylife.com. Retrieved on January 16, 2019.
- ↑ 2.0 2.1 2.2 2.3 2.4 Former Mississippi lawmaker Ed Perry of Oxford dies at 76. Bryan-College Station (Texas) Eagle (January 16, 2019).