Political Quotes

“I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of H.R. 1410, the Vietnam Human Rights Act. The Socialist Republic of Vietnam remains a gross human rights violator even as its trade with the U.S. grows. The people of Vietnam continue to be oppressed by their Communist jailers, unable to change their government or enjoy any semblance of the rule of law. Indeed, the most recent elections of May 2011 were neither free nor fair. Much like those living under the ruthless Castro regime in my native Cuba, Vietnamese citizens are subject to brutal treatment from police, inhumane prison conditions, and denial of the right to a fair and speedy trial. The judicial system is plagued by endemic corruption and inefficiency, and the Communist government has increasingly limited privacy rights and freedoms of the press, speech, assembly, movement, and association. Freedom of religion is subject to interpretation by Communist authorities, with significant problems occurring at provincial and village levels. Violence and discrimination against women, as well as trafficking in persons, continue to torment the population. The sexual exploitation of children, as well as hate crimes and discrimination based on ethnicity, sexual orientation, and HIV/AIDS status, all persist. As is the case with all Communist regimes, police often act with impunity.…”