Val Demings: “It is surely a shame that it is necessary in the year 2019 for the U.S. Congress to denounce white nationalism in…”

“It is surely a shame that it is necessary in the year 2019 for the U.S. Congress to denounce white nationalism in Congress. As a police officer, I worked white supremacist rallies. The words alone hurt enough, but as a police officer, I also saw vicious acts of violence by those inspired by those hateful words. Words do have consequences, and if you promote hateful, ignorant beliefs, then you will be held accountable. Certainly, Congress should lead the way. This week, the ignorance of white nationalism was defended by one of my colleagues. Today, as we recognize Dr. King's birthday, I am reminded that Dr. King called on all Americans to enlist in a crusade finally to end the race question and make it an ugly relic of a dark past. But still we know hate crimes are on the rise. We understand why. Madam Speaker, if we are who we say we are, a great nation, one nation with liberty and justice for all, then we all must exercise our power and take a stand so strong that even the white supremacists cannot ignore it.”