Political Quotes

“At every critical juncture in American history, each preceding generation has been asked to pick between equality and inequality, justice and injustice. In that struggle, our predecessors always tipped the scale in favor of equality and justice, and always widening the circle of democracy. And in widening that circle of democracy, America's character and her democratic values were renewed. Today we are taking a reactionary departure from constitutional history. Our congressional predecessors never successfully attempted such an extreme measure as this, because they knew it would violate every principle that defines America, but this Congress and its majority leaders, in its infinite wisdom, will take that radical step today. The majority leader asked for a debate known for its tolerance concerning a piece of legislation that is neither tolerant nor respectful of debate. The proponents of this legislation say, this is an effort to protect the institution of marriage. Half of all marriages end in divorce. Divorce threatens marriage. So why do we not deny access to the Federal courts to divorcees? If you are worried about your marriage, read your vows and leave our Constitution alone. Today we are not defending marriage; we are defeating the Constitution. Thomas Jefferson wrote in the Declaration of Independence that all men are created equal, but maybe George Orwell is more appropriate today: all are equal, but some are more equal than others.”