Political Quotes

“But really why we are here is to address perhaps a philosophical question as to the astonishing statement of the distinguished minority leader, that you cannot have healthy campaigns in a healthy democracy and free speech. That is a startling statement. I think we are entitled to wonder and explore whether or not that truly expresses the sentiment of Members of this House, because it has always seemed to me, naive as I may be, and certainly unlettered in the nuances of the Constitution, that you cannot have healthy elections without free speech. It is a condition precedent to a healthy election. Now, Thomas Jefferson, who was no stranger to free speech, said in 1808, "The liberty of speaking and writing guards our other liberties." So we should be very careful. I think the phrase the court uses is "strict scrutiny." We should impose strict scrutiny on any efforts to limit the first amendment, which has served us pretty well for 222-some years.”