Political Quotes

“A final point. Is this the last bit of ``leverage'' we have? In the first place, I think a continuation of the embargo is reverse leverage. It is not actual leverage because it would operate in reverse against us. But beyond that, Mr. President, we have plenty of continued leverage against the Vietnamese. We participate in the international banks from whom Vietnam wants and needs credits to rebuild their country. They need American companies. They need a lot from us and, if we drop that embargo, we will still have that leverage. Mr. President, it is absolutely clear the time to drop the embargo against Vietnam is now; reward their cooperation and thereby secure continued cooperation. I congratulate the Senator from Massachusetts, Mr. Kerry, for his leadership, and the other coauthors, mostly Vietnam veterans, who have been so strong in their leadership in this regard.”