Political Quotes

“I thank the gentleman from North Carolina (Mr. Walker), my good friend, for yielding to me. There is no question that all of us who have served with John Lewis mourn the passing of this towering figure who devoted his life to fighting for freedom and equality. {time} 1945 An interesting perspective of his life, as a son of Alabama sharecroppers, John Lewis demonstrated that, in America, a single individual, even one coming from the most humble of backgrounds, can have an enormous impact in this country. We all know that he rose to be a powerful leader in the civil rights movement; worked very closely with Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., and so many other great heroes who sacrificed their lives to ensure that Americans of all races live in liberty in this country. But he did so peacefully. He once wrote this, and this has a great, powerful meaning. He said: ``Release the need to hate, to harbor division, and the enticement of revenge. Release all bitterness. Hold only love, only peace in your heart, knowing that the battle of good to overcome evil is already won.'' John Lewis knew that it was necessary to fight the sins of this country; but he understood also to fight those in a nonviolent way. I just have the deepest respect for John Lewis, and I am honored to have considered him a dear friend. I just want to thank all my colleagues this evening for joining in this time to honor such a great man and an icon, obviously, particularly in the civil rights movement.…”