Dan Kildee: “many people too easily forget that the rights and privileges we enjoy today did not come easily. They did not come…”

“many people too easily forget that the rights and privileges we enjoy today did not come easily. They did not come without struggle, without suffering, without sacrifice. The passing this week of Rosa Parks should remind all of us that freedom does not come free. It comes, partly, because a middle aged African American woman in Montgomery, Alabama was tired from yet another long day's work as a seamstress. She was too tired to give up her seat at the front of the bus to a white man--as the racist Jim Crow Laws of the time required her to. Her simple act of defiance inspired a city, inspired a movement and inspired a nation. And her courage inspired me to get more deeply involved in the struggle for civil rights in our country. Mr. Speaker, freedom is not free. It must be earned and nutured by the courage and commitment of patriots like Rosa Parks. Mr. Speaker, Rosa Parks has helped make our nation a fairer, better country for all Americans, no matter their race, creed, sex, or national origin. It is right and fitting that this Congress of the United States recognize the contribution to our nation made by Rosa Parks. I am honored to support this concurrent resolution authorizing her body to lie in honor in the Rotunda of the U.S. Capitol.”