Political Quotes

“Mr. President, about a week ago, Josh Cortez was found shot and lying on the pavement in Hartford's South end. Josh was 22 at the time. His girlfriend, who was 23 years old, was found in a parked car nearby with a gunshot wound. She was rushed to Hartford Hospital where she died a half hour later. They were the sixth and seventh homicide victims in Hartford this year. They had been dating for about 2 years, and they had a 2-year-old daughter. He had just celebrated his 22nd birthday. His cousin said: [Josh] was a great kid. He turned his life around for the better. He had a rough start, but he was doing a complete 360 for his baby girl. His cousin said that he was just wrapping up a jail diversionary program at the time of his death and that he was ``committed to the program,'' making every appointment and following every regulation. Two days later, across the country in Iowa, Senquez Jackson was 15 years old when his 13-year-old friend accidentally fired a small .38- caliber semiautomatic pistol. His friend thought the gun was unloaded when he pulled the ammo clip from the handle. He killed his friend, Senquez, who was 15 years old, and now that 13-year-old boy has been charged with involuntary manslaughter. In addition, they layered on charges of obstructing prosecution and carrying a weapon. Senquez is remembered by his friends and family as being a great athlete. He loved basketball. He dreamed of playing in the NBA.…”