Political Quotes

“There is a definitive set of books written about this time period by Taylor Branch. When I read the first volume, I went over to the office of Congressman John Lewis because his name was mentioned in that book so often that a number years ago when the book was published, I talked to John Lewis about his valiant efforts to allow us to be in the place we are today. I mention that because after having read the third volume of Taylor Branch's book, ``At Canaan's Edge,'' which I completed a week ago, I was stunned by many references to Senator Ted Kennedy. One full page talks about a time that Senator Kennedy made his first trip to Mississippi. His brother had been assassinated. He went with Dr. King to Mississippi for the first time. There were 150 pounds of nails, an inch and three-quarters long, dumped in the pathway, three police cars with nails in their tires and were unable to continue. There were threats made on Senator Kennedy's life. I was so stunned by reading that that I called Senator Kennedy and read that to him and asked if this brought back memories of his first trip to Mississippi. I mention John Lewis and Senator Kennedy because they are only two of the many who made significant sacrifices to get us to the point where we are today. On March 15, 1965, Lyndon Johnson came to the Capitol to address a joint session of Congress. He spoke to a House, a Senate, and a nation that had been rocked by recent violence, especially in Selma, AL.…”