Political Quotes

“Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman from Georgia for yielding, and I thank the chairman for bringing this resolution to the floor. Mr. Speaker, as I was sitting here listening to Congressman Johnson, I got so inspired that I just want to go out and jump in a soapbox or jump on a soapbox to give my talk. I have been at this for a very long period of time. The soapbox derby has been going on for 76 years; 36 of those years, I had the great privilege of serving in this body. I rise each year to sponsor the resolution allowing the Greater Washington Soap Box Derby Association to hold its annual race on the Capitol Grounds. It is appropriate, I think, that it is here at the Capitol. The inspiration of the Capitol, the inspiration of the dome, the inspiration and excitement of which Congressman Johnson just spoke, I think, captures the sense of what ``soapbox derby'' means. This year marks, as I said, the 76th year of the derby, Mr. Speaker, at which young people from around the region, from age 8 all the way to age 17, compete in three divisions. Those divisions are stock, super stock, and masters. So you are talking about these sophisticated soapboxes. They are not your father's soapbox, that is for sure. It is not only a fun and exciting event, it is also educational and brings children together, young people together, young adults together with their parents, grandparents, siblings, and neighbors to plan and build their soapbox racers.…”