Andre Carson: “Eleanor Roosevelt said, ``When will our consciences grow so tender that we will act to prevent human misery rather than…”

“Eleanor Roosevelt said, ``When will our consciences grow so tender that we will act to prevent human misery rather than avenge it?'' I recall the words of Chief Justice Earl Warren who said, ``It is the spirit and not the form of law that keeps justice alive.'' I want to commend the sponsors of this legislation for their foresight and insight. The court action of Briggs v. Elliott in South Carolina to end public school segregation was a major component in the successful Brown v. Board of Education Supreme Court ruling which effectively struck down the so-called separate but equal. It is this ``spirit of the law'' that preceded Brown v. Board of Education in the form of Briggs v. Elliott. Before Briggs v. Elliott was Plessy v. Ferguson. Before Plessy were the 13th and the 14th amendments. And so, Mr. Speaker, I would encourage each Member of this body to give proper honor to whom honor is due by supporting unanimously this legislation that will authorize the Congressional Gold Medal to these deserving citizens of the United States.”