Political Quotes

“today I rise to express condolences and gratitude to the family of John Burton for sharing him and his leadership with the Nation. I join with my colleagues--Congresswoman Maxine Waters, Congressman Mike Thompson, Congresswoman Doris Matsui, and Congressman Mark DeSaulnier--and so many others in expressing our appreciation to him. Mr. Speaker, let me tell you about him. Working families have lost one of the most outspoken, ferocious, and unyielding champions our Nation has ever seen. John Burton was a towering and progressive warrior who for half a century never pulled a punch in his dogged fight for a fair future for our children. Paul and I are heartbroken to hear of his passing, as he was my longtime mentor, close confidant, and dear friend. All who knew John knew that behind his sometimes profanity-laden language was a profound progressive voice for how to make real the promise of America. As I wrote in the forward to his memoir in his book, 'I Yell Because I Care,' John yelled a lot because he cared a lot, especially about our most vulnerable neighbors. He dreamed of a city without homelessness or hunger and a society dedicated to full equality, no matter the person or who they love. He also dreamed of an economy where every working family could succeed and a world at peace where every child could reach his or her fulfillment.”