Political Quotes

“when I hear the attacks being made against the President's nominee fro Surgeon General, Dr. Henry Foster, I must say that I have never seen such a vicious and mean-spirited mood in this town. This really has to stop. We have to return some civility to the process of confirming nominees. Mr. Speaker, why would any professional subject themselves to be nominated to serve here in Washington when, by doing so, they know they will be ripped from pillar to post? It is the right of a President to select nominees, and it is the right of that nominee to get a fair hearing before Congress. Dr. Foster should have an opportunity to lay his record before the Congress and before the American people. I think it is an impressive record that, once aired, will impress many people. The so-called controversy over Dr. Foster has been fueled by a discussion over one single issue--an issue, I might add, that should not be used as a litmus test. We have hardly heard a word about the decades of caring service Dr. Foster has provided. Yes, Dr. Foster performed abortions. The last time I looked, Mr. Speaker, abortion was not illegal in the United States. There may be some who do not like the fact that abortion is legal in this country, but Dr. Foster should not be held hostage to their views. Mr. Speaker, Dr. Foster ran a program called I Have a Future, which urges teenagers to practice abstinence. The program was honored as a Point of Light by President Bush.”