Nancy Pelosi: “this evening I rise to express my deep disdain and disgust for comments made yesterday on his radio show by former…”

“this evening I rise to express my deep disdain and disgust for comments made yesterday on his radio show by former Secretary of Education William Bennett. He said, and I quote, ``You could abort every black baby in this country and your crime rate would go down. That would be an impossible, ridiculous, and morally reprehensible thing to do, but your crime rate would go down.'' These are shameful words, Mr. Speaker. I am appalled to have to say them on the floor of the House of Representatives. Secretary Bennett's words reflect a narrow-minded spirit that has no place within American discourse. These words do not reflect the values of hope and opportunity for the future, they do not reflect the values of the American people, Democrat or Republican. Secretary Bennett does not reflect American mainstream values; he did not when he was Secretary of Education and he does not now. Leaders are called to higher standards than Secretary Bennett has demonstrated. We have a responsibility to lead, to be an example. As Americans feel the pain of two hurricanes, as Americans still reel from questions about the role that race and poverty played in the government response to these devastating hurricanes, we must stand sentry against any hint of racism, any indication of injustice, any moment of intolerance. Now is not the time for divisive comments, now is the time for coming together, now is the time for healing.…”