Political Quotes

“Those who would take this amendment lightly or who would sit on the sidelines of this debate, I would warn them, because it reminds me of the words of Martin Niemoeller commenting on Nazi Germany. He said that, they came first for the Communists, and I did not speak up because I was not a Communist. Then they came for the Jews, and I did not speak up because I was not a Jew. Then they came for the trade unionists and I did not speak because I was not a trade unionist. Then they came for the Catholics, I did not speak. I was a Protestant. Then they came for me. And no one was left to speak up. Mr. Chairman, I rise to speak up for those individuals who would be affected by this amendment. It is the City of San Francisco today, could be New York tomorrow, Los Angeles next week, New Orleans next month and even perhaps Chicago next year. I rise against this amendment because I agree with those who have suggested that it is indeed a mean-spirited maneuver that is designed to punish a certain group of individuals in one particular city. This amendment would bar the City of San Francisco from using HUD funds to execute its entire city ordinance against discrimination in city contracts. If enacted, the well-being of tens of thousands of veterans, disabled people, children, victims of natural disasters, individuals with HIV and AIDs would be jeopardized in order to punish a locality.”