On the recordFebruary 28, 2011
I would like to thank the distinguished gentlelady from the Virgin Islands, who I have the pleasure of serving with and who has done a remarkable job in planning our hour today, which not only celebrates and reflects but which also charts a path for this future that includes everyone. As we come to the close of Black History Month, it is appropriate that I remind our leadership and the American people of the sacrifice and determination of great American heroes to make this country a better place and the land of opportunity for all Americans. I would also like to remind our leadership that we don't honor Dr. King because of his dream. We honor him because of his hard work and his dedication in pursuing his dream. His last call was for economic justice. Here we are in 2011 with a 9.6 percent unemployment rate in this country. However, in the African American community, that unemployment rate is 15.8 percent. We must ask why such a huge gap and what we are going to do to close that gap and bring unemployment down for everyone. At this time and at this moment, we need King-like determination; we need King-like courage; and we need a King-like vision to create jobs in this country, not more campaign rhetoric. My colleagues on the other side of the aisle, show me the jobs. Show the American people the jobs. The continuing resolution that the Republicans offer will not lower the unemployment rate in this country. It will do quite the opposite.
