Mike Quigley: “Today, as in every day, we open the House with the Pledge of Allegiance and the words ``with liberty and justice for…”

“Today, as in every day, we open the House with the Pledge of Allegiance and the words ``with liberty and justice for all.'' However, some of our Nation's greatest ills have come from moments when we have chosen to make exceptions to ``all.'' Right now there are those who, once again, make exceptions, this time by carving out the transgender community by targeting them for discriminatory policies. To those crafting these policies, every economic challenge, shift in culture, and electoral loss can be blamed on one small, minority population or another. To them, every problem is someone else's fault, and if only that group didn't exist or if they were more like the majority, then perhaps our country's challenges would be solved. Let us remind ourselves that never have our Nation's problems been solved by creating a scapegoat. In light of Supreme Court cases and derogatory posts, we need to remind ourselves that these are real people whom we are talking about. Just because you may not understand someone's experience, Madam Speaker, does not make them any less valid. A lack of understanding does not give anyone the liberty to attack someone's existence. Let us lead with empathy and strive to learn from our neighbors. ____________________”