Political Quotes

“I thank the gentlewoman from Florida (Mrs. Demings) for sharing Brandon's story. Next we have a story from a friend. ``My name is Jim McDermott, and I am a good friend of Chris Brodman who was the first survivor of the Pulse massacre to pass away of a rare brain aneurysm on September 11 of last year. Chris came to Orlando and made it his home in the fall of 2007. His outgoing, natural interest in other people and their stories made him quite popular in our community--and we are still grieving his loss to this day. It is hard to imagine that his constant, wonderful smile is not around anymore to brighten our days. ``He was and is the best friend one could ever have. ``Chris was celebrating at Pulse a few days late because he had to work on the actual day of his birthday itself. He was lingering with friends, enjoying the festive atmosphere of the club that was one of his favorites, when the attack began. In what I find to be an example of his character, Chris pushed his friends to safety over the back fence first before escaping himself. Not one person who knows him finds this to be a surprise, as Chris was always our protector, our confidante, and our hero. ``As we come upon the one-year mark of the assault on Pulse, we wanted to remind the world of his heroism and his day-to-day loving example of how a great person can affect your life for the better. Chris loved people that were utterly themselves and unique. He prized authenticity and loyalty wherever he went.…”