Tina Smith: “I rise today to remember a life that was untimely taken and to recall a horrific hate crime that shocked a nation. Ten…”

“I rise today to remember a life that was untimely taken and to recall a horrific hate crime that shocked a nation. Ten years ago this week James Byrd, Jr., was dragged 3 miles-- chained to the back of pickup truck--on a rural road in Jasper County, TX, to his death. It was said that a blood trail of body parts and personal effects stretched over 2 miles, with Byrd's severed head, right arm, and neck found almost a mile from where his tattered torso was discarded. Byrd's face had been spray painted black. James Byrd was a victim of the cruelest form of racial intolerance. He was murdered for no other reason than for the color of his skin. To think that such a senseless crime could occur in the wake of so many of our Nation's civil rights milestones is disheartening. It is also a stark reminder that much work remains to be done in protecting minorities and ending intolerance. No American should have to live in fear because of their sexual orientation, race, gender, national origin, or disability. As a nation, we cannot afford to become complacent. We must forever strive to reach the golden rings of democracy--that is, equality, opportunity, freedom and tolerance. We must also remain vigilant and guard against individuals and groups that seek to marginalize and terrorize whole groups of individuals. That is why, as I have done many times before, I come to the floor to urge my colleagues to enact Federal hate crimes legislation this year.”