Political Quotes

“Mr. Speaker, I rise today to express my strong support for official U.S. recognition of the Armenian genocide. Notable scholars and historians who recognize the Armenian genocide include the International Association of Genocide Scholars and the Elie Wiesel Foundation for Humanity whose findings are supported by 53 Nobel Laureates. Yet, in the face of all the evidence, Turkey presses on, exporting a legacy of genocide denial, a legacy it continues to enforce within its own borders. Many of my colleagues express sympathy for the genocide victims but are hesitant to vote for recognition. Turkey's relentless lobbying campaign, which threatens retaliation should the U.S. recognize this historical reality, has had its intended effect. Some Members of Congress worry that recognition will cause irreparable harm to U.S.- Turkish relations and therefore undermine the United States' strategic interests. ``It's just not a good time'' is a common refrain. That excuse is always available, but it is a wholly inadequate excuse. For the sake of its core values and in true furtherance of its strategic interests, the United States must take a deep breath, look its ally, Turkey, in the eye and recognize this tragic episode of the modern era to be an unambiguous fact of history. ____________________”