Political Quotes

“I rise today to share with my colleagues an experience that I had this morning that I wish each and every one of them could have shared. Today, I joined with several Senators and the First Lady at a hearing to listen to the concerns of parents who care for chronically ill children. The children were there too, and they participated attentively. Mr. President, there was not one person in that room who has a heart who was not moved beyond words at what they heard from these loving families. Seeing these moms and dads in that room with children who have terrible disabilities, disabilities which require almost constant care, seeing the affection that these families have and then listening to them talk about the horror stories they are facing because of the current health care system left everyone in the room with the sense that we must summon up every ounce of courage we have to pass health care reform now. There was a little boy there from my State of California named Christopher Monkman, 7 years old. You know, it is hard to describe a 7-year-old as a fighter. But Christopher Monkman is a fighter. He has been through intensive care many times--a kidney transplant, diabetes, deafness, and chronic lung disease. Yet, when anyone came up to him, he would smile and put out his hand, Mr. President. He has suffered more than most of us could imagine going through in a lifetime--and he is 7 years old. He is fighting for survival and to be with those who love him.”