Ed Markey: “I come to the floor to discuss the first policy-focused legislation I am introducing as a Senator. I believe it will be…”

“I come to the floor to discuss the first policy-focused legislation I am introducing as a Senator. I believe it will be a win for Massachusetts and a win for the Nation. But before I do so, I would like to comment briefly about another win last night for Massachusetts and for Red Sox Nation everywhere. Behind the mighty bat of Big Papi, the tireless and tough arms of Jon Lester, John Lackey, and Koji Uehara, and the incredible power of the beard, this unlikely Red Sox team took us from last in the division to first in the world. For many of us in Massachusetts, this was not just about baseball. Because on Patriots' Day, when the Sox play in the morning and New England comes together for a celebration, evil visited our city at the Boston Marathon this year. While this team cannot bring back the lives we lost or heal the wounds inflicted, it did what no other team besides the Red Sox can do: It reaffirmed our common bond in Massachusetts, in New England, and with Red Sox Nation fans everywhere. It is often said that baseball is a game of inches. But it is also a game that can span miles, bringing people together across entire communities and cultures, bridging differences and building friendships. That is what Red Sox baseball did for Boston, for Massachusetts, and for New England this year, when we needed it the most. The Red Sox gave us the chance to all raise our hands in triumph once again together as one. The Red Sox came back to win in dozens of games.…”