Political Quotes

“it has been many years ago that I went to law school, and I still remember some of the courses and some of the teachers and certainly some of my grades. One of the most interesting courses that should have been required of every student in every law school in America basically was about this document, this Constitution, because in its simplicity, you are sometimes put off by the fact that there is real wisdom behind the words, and applying them in real life can take twists and turns. I found one way, a quick course in constitutional law, where average people come to understand the Bill of Rights better than most, and I found this when I was practicing law in Springfield, IL. I would get a telephone call from a parent who would say to me: Durbin, you have got to help me. They arrested my 17-year-old son for possession of marijuana. What are his rights under the Constitution? Did they give him a Miranda warning? I started hearing things from parents coming back to me about this document, which I was surprised--surprised to hear. The point I am trying to make is this: The many years ago when I was practicing law in Springfield, IL, we were going through a learning process about drugs and addiction, and it has continued to this day. In fact, I don't believe there is a single Senator on either side of the aisle who would say: You know, I have been here 20 years or plus, and I have never changed my views on drugs. Maybe some feel that way. I am not one of them.…”