Political Quotes

“Let me first send also my well wishes, prayers, and my sympathy to the city of Boston, the families and friends, and all of those touched by yesterday's horrific tragedy. Ten years ago this month, the international community joined together to bring the world's attention to the brutal attacks by the Government of Sudan against the people of Darfur. The Congressional Black Caucus, Leader Pelosi, and others stood united and, led by our beloved, the great gentleman from New Jersey, Congressman Don Payne, introduced H. Con. Res. 467, declaring that genocide was occurring in Darfur. Many of us also traveled to the region several times and later passed the Darfur Peace and Accountability Act. Yet even after then--Secretary of State Powell finally declared genocide in 2004--the international community failed to act decisively to stop it. If we had acted then, we could have saved many innocent lives. If we do the right thing now, we could end the suffering, violence, and insecurity that tragically continues to plague the region to this day. Now is the time for the United States to provide high-level leadership and press for full humanitarian assistance in memory and in honor of our beloved Don Payne, our great warrior. He did so much for the people of Darfur. Let us do the right thing in his memory so that the next time we say, ``Not on our watch,'' we will mean it. ____________________”