Political Quotes

“today we celebrate Juneteenth. For those who aren't familiar with this holiday, today marks the 149th anniversary of the emancipation of the slaves in Galveston, TX. Two- and-a-half years after President Lincoln's Emancipation Proclamation took effect and 2 months after General Lee's surrender at Appomattox, the slaves of Galveston were still being treated as they were years before. Union GEN Gordon Granger and his troops arrived in Galveston with one thing in mind, to right this wrong. General Granger addressed the entire city, declaring all slaves in Texas to be free, and granting them ``an absolute equality of personal rights and rights of property.'' Upon receiving the news, the newly freed slaves could not contain their joy. They were crying, they were hugging, they were celebrating, because they were previously confined to shackles. They were slaves in the true sense of the word. So today, 149 years later, we once again celebrate the occasion of the emancipation so long overdue. Juneteenth is a reminder of promises kept. Although it may be late in coming, it is the duty of a responsible government to honor its word and never forget any of its citizens. There are millions of Americans who need help today, right now. They are escaping the bonds of hunger, unemployment, and inequality. So may we here in the Senate come to their rescue, just as General Granger did for the slaves of Galveston those many years ago.”