Political Quotes

“Mr. Speaker, I rise today to commemorate a milestone in Arizona's history, the centennial of our great State. After nearly 49 years as a U.S. Territory, Arizona became part of the United States on February 14, 1912. Today Arizona is a bustling, contemporary oasis of more than 6 million people. Its natural wonders--the Grand Canyon, the Petrified Forest, the Red Rocks of Sedona, the Painted Desert, coupled with modern conveniences, most notably air-conditioning--draw millions of visitors from around the world every year. But it wasn't always so. Early settlers, ranchers, farmers, and miners had to wonder what they'd gotten themselves into. Such was the case with my ancestors. Allow me to tell a sliver of their story because it tells a little about Arizona's history. William Jordan Flake, my great-great-grandfather arrived in Arizona territory in 1878. When he bought a ranch on the Silver Creek, he was warned by the previous owners not to invite any other families because the land and water would not sustain them. Fortunately, he didn't listen. Soon the town of Snowflake was born, becoming the hub of activity in what was then Arizona territory. Not long after, William Jordan's son, James Madison Flake, was deputized, along with his brother, Charles Love Flake, to arrest an outlaw who had drifted into town. As they disarmed the outlaw, the outlaw reached into his boot, drew a weapon, and shot Charles in the neck, killing him instantly.…”