Political Quotes

“I first want to commend my colleague, the gentleman from California [Mr. Lantos] for bringing this resolution to the floor. We have heard, I think, one of the most interesting debates this House has encountered since I have been here in the 103d Congress. We have talked about symbols: On one hand, the symbol of hatred, of division, derision, violence, and disrespect; on the other hand, we are listening and thinking about the symbol that hopefully will condemn such actions, that will bring this community together. As my colleague, the gentleman from Illinois [Mr. Hyde] said just before me, these symbols are important and we ought to consider their moral content. I think as important for this office, for this Congress, it is important to take upon itself the responsibility of bringing clearly to the public's attention when we are definitely in abuse of the respect and the dignity of human beings and fellow citizens in this country. We have not passed laws to perpetrate any kind of action against the Nation of Islam and its members. We have not done anything but bring attention to the Nation that these symbols of hatred, division, and derision cannot be tolerated.”