Bob Filner: “when I came to Congress, I decided I was always going to vote my conscience. As a Jew and a civil rights activist, I was…”

“when I came to Congress, I decided I was always going to vote my conscience. As a Jew and a civil rights activist, I was sickened at the remarks of Khalid Abdul Muhammad. His litany of hate offends me deeply. But as a Member of the U.S. Congress--an institution that is bound to preserve, protect, and defend the Constitution--I cannot in good conscience vote for an official congressional joint resolution restricting Mr. Muhammad's freedom of speech, as given to him by the first amendment. As a body of government, we must uphold the rights of all individuals, whether or not we agree with their stated beliefs. I have condemned Mr. Muhammad's viciousness against Catholics, blacks, gays and lesbians, and Jews--and I do so again today. Our future as a nation lies in our celebration of diversity and our burying forever the evils of racism and anti-Semitism. As a Member of Congress, I am sworn to protect the Constitution--a Constitution which has preserved our freedom and liberty for 200 years. Freedom of speech--no matter how abhorrent--is one of the bulwarks of our constitutional liberties. And Congress 'shall make no law abridging the freedom of speech!' Today we can condemn the vile remarks of Mr. Muhammad. But my question is, who will be next? Does a majority decide at any point what speech is abhorrent? That is exactly what the first amendment is all about--to protect us from going down this slippery slope. I vote today to protect that right!”