Political Quotes

“Madam Speaker, I rise to condemn the racist statements made by the president of the United States against my colleagues here in Congress. Our nation is a beacon of hope to the world, a nation where people arrive with the goal of embracing the American dream. They and their children make vital economic, educational, civic, and social contributions to the American fabric--they become business owners, doctors, and even members of Congress. It is clear that the diversity that this country provides is not our problem, it is our promise. Although the president has indicated that there are ``many people [who] agree with'' his comments, I, and many Americans, were disappointed that the individual who acts as our representative on the world stage would share these racist sentiments. I have confidence that the beliefs reflected in the president's statements are not held by the American people as a whole and do not reflect who we are as a nation. This country has endured too many obstacles and undergone too many lessons learned to accept these offensive statements. We have endured slavery, forced displacement, Jim Crow laws, and internment camps. We are still working to fight against redlining, voter intimidation, hate crimes, and mass incarceration. Our country deserves better than this. The world deserves better than this.…”