On the recordDecember 1, 2014
I thank the distinguished gentlewoman for her observations. Mr. Speaker, we are here as members of the Congressional Black Caucus to have an open, honest, and direct dialogue with America. In a democracy, there has to be a balance between effective law enforcement on the one hand and a healthy respect for the Constitution and the civil rights of others, particularly of African Americans, on the other. If we are honest, we have not gotten that balance right, and as a result, we see young, unarmed, innocent African American men being gunned down in city after city in America, and we are here to say, ``Enough is enough.'' I am pleased now to yield to someone who has served this institution incredibly well as a Member of Congress, who has served the country well as a member of the military, the lion of Lenox Avenue, the distinguished gentleman from the great State of New York and the village of Harlem, Representative Charlie Rangel.
