Political Quotes

“Mr. President, today I rise to commemorate the International Day of Democracy. Since 2007, September 15 has offered an opportunity each year to reflect on the democratic values that we cherish and to recommit ourselves to promoting them around the world. The democratic project is especially important at this moment. Although some communities are experiencing greater rights and freedoms than ever before, there is also an alarming trend of democratic backsliding in many corners of the globe. Countries that were becoming increasingly open and egalitarian are moving back toward authoritarianism under unlawful, oppressive leaders. Meanwhile, countries that were already unfree are suffering even more disturbing civil and human rights abuses. If we turn a blind eye to these developments, it will embolden bad actors to continue undermining freedom, peace, and equality. The United States must lead all democracy-loving people in calling out subversions of democratic rights wherever they exist and holding those responsible to account. One country that requires our urgent attention is China. The Government of China has not adhered to democratic norms for a long time, but we should never allow that failure to normalize ongoing human rights abuses such as the vicious opposition to the Uighurs.…”