Political Quotes

“Mr. President, ``a denial of this sacred right [to vote] is a tragic betrayal of the highest mandates of our democratic tradition''--``a tragic betrayal of the highest mandates of our democratic tradition.'' Those were the words of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., in his speech where he implored the Federal Government--and especially Congress--to take action on a simple request: ``Give us the ballot.'' Today, the American people are saying the same thing: Give us the ballot. Let us not sink into the abyss of voter suppression. Give us the ballot. A few hours ago, this Chamber, with the eyes of the Nation upon it and with the evidence of voter suppression laid bare before it, with very little refutation from the other side--they don't discuss the issues going on in the States--took a vote to move to final passage on the Freedom to Vote Act and the John Lewis Voting Rights Advancement Act. It received 50 votes, and with the Vice President, we would have had the majority. Unfortunately, under the current rules of the Senate, the door is closed to moving forward on these laws--so much part of the core values of our country. But make no mistake, on voting rights, inaction is not an option. Inaction is not an option. And now, the Senate must rise to the occasion.…”