Political Quotes

“I come to the floor this afternoon to honor a member of my staff. I thank Senator Fischer and Senator Manchin for giving me an opportunity to speak at this moment. MJ Kenny has been part of my team in the Senate for 9 years, and for the past several years, he was a constant on the floor of the Senate as deputy floor director of my staff. At the end of this week, he is going to be moving on to a new professional opportunity. Unlike many of us who work in this building, MJ actually is a resident of the Washington, DC, area. He graduated from Walt Whitman High School in Bethesda, MD, a suburb of the city of Washington. Walt Whitman wrote in his essay, ``Democratic Vistas,'' the following: ``Did you too, O friend, suppose democracy was only for elections, for politics, and for a party name?'' Walt Whitman understood that democracy is more than campaigns. Democracy is certainly more than just yelling at one another. Democracy is a process. It is a daily dedication to the institutions and norms and the rule of law. Making democracy work takes skill and commitment, and it takes many people who are willing to make a sacrifice and see the demands for long hours and the demands for time on the floor as part of their democratic commitment. This can demand great patience and great sacrifice. I think Walt Whitman would have given MJ Kenny high marks, as do I. For the last few years, MJ has helped to make sure the Senate does the daily work of democracy.…”