Political Quotes

“I rise to speak in opposition to the Helms amendment relative to China MFN. I would like to say at the outset that I feel very strongly, as I think every Senator in this Chamber feels, that human rights is the hallmark of this country. It is that which gives us legitimacy, it is that which distinguishes this country from virtually every country on the face of the Earth. There are others that celebrate human rights to the extent that we do, but very few. Certainly, no superpower does. We should insist at every turn on promoting and promulgating our human rights agenda across the world. Where I differ with the Helms amendment is in the fact that MFN should not be used, is not an appropriate way to either maximize the influence of this country or to promote human rights. I perceive from, I think, the very clear fact that the one thing that has promoted human rights more than any other single thing in China is trade.”