Political Quotes

“we see a continuation of the pattern here that when amendments are inconvenient, they are simply prevented from being offered. I gather there was some reference to my handwriting, which I will concede is not much better than my diction, but what happened was I have been interested in the issue of Indonesia and its mistreatment to the people of East Timor for some time. There are currently negotiations going on now between the Portuguese and Indonesian Governments in which the Portuguese Government is trying to bring some help to these beleaguered people. Having us debate this and perhaps adopt an amendment could be very helpful. As I understand it, Mr. Speaker, during the original debate, someone on the other side was going to offer an amendment and decided not to. When I learned that, I came to the floor and offered one. I had one that was in fact offered and it was at the desk that first night. We then adjourned. I later learned earlier the next day, or later the next day, that there was a rule that was coming and we had to submit, so I hastily, it is true, wrote it and submitted it. However, in fact I had had an amendment at the desk the night before. I submitted one the next day when I was told, with very little notice that it was required to do that. The question is this: Should we be allowed to debate Indonesia? When we talked about Haiti there was great concern for democracy on the other side.”