Political Quotes

“first I want to thank my dear friend, the Senator from New Jersey. Our caucus and the American people are lucky to have him as such a champion, not only for this proposal but for all of his work in recent years on legislation related to police reform, racial justice, and so many other issues. In a moment, my friend will ask to pass a bill that will do something very simple and, indeed, long overdue: It will remove the statues here in the Capitol of men who would rend this country apart by war in order to strengthen, perpetuate, and extend the vile institution of slavery. There is a movement in America right now that demands we confront the poison of racism in our country. We must do this in many ways, both substantive and symbolic. This bill is just one of many steps we must take to acknowledge the painful history of America's original sin-- slavery--and to clarify for all generations that the men who defended it shall hold no place of honor in our Nation's history books. States and localities are removing Confederate statues in their public parks and municipal buildings. NASCAR has banned the Confederate flag at its events. We will soon debate renaming military installations after Confederate generals. Why should the Capitol, of all places--a symbol of the Union, a place where every American is supposed to have representation--continue to venerate such ignoble figures?…”