Kendrick Meek: “Words are inadequate to even describe the way she explained to us her struggle as a woman, and it is hard for Liberia…”

“Words are inadequate to even describe the way she explained to us her struggle as a woman, and it is hard for Liberia and the United States to be able to reflect on what her life was all about. She was sharing with us here, Madam Speaker, that you see the glory; but let me share the story with you and how she still has one foot in on the uneducated woman in Liberia and Africa and the Harvard- educated woman one foot in the United States. And I think it is important for us to remember that we have to remember when we have the opportunity to lead. And I think she is grounded in that, and I think Liberia is going to be better because of it. And she shared with us that she didn't want our pity, but she wanted to be able to receive our assistance because they will perform. She talked about the reforms she has made in her administration, making sure that she has accountability, making sure that she wipes out and stamps out cronyism, and to make sure that children can smile again, and that is important. It is important to build an environment in a community where children feel safe of where they live and where they go to school and all of their contributions. So I was excited about her visit. I got down here a little early so that I would get a chance to shake her hand; and I look forward, Madam Speaker, hopefully, that we can help Liberia, one of the true allies of the United States of America, and has been so for a very long time.…”