Political Quotes

“Mr. Chairman, violent crime is a devastating national problem--it is the most serious domestic problem facing America today. Violent crime has increased over 23 percent since 1988. A violent crime is committed once every 22 seconds--a murder is committed every 22 minutes. A rape occurs every 5 minutes and a robbery every 47 seconds. Over 70 percent of the violent crimes committed in our country are committed by repeat offenders. These are not just statistics. The victims are real people and the ultimate victim is our society. The crime epidemic has brought with it the pestilence of fear. We need to address this complex problem in a comprehensive but realistic way. I believe that we need to address the root causes of crime--we need programs fostering education, health care, housing, and jobs. But the root causes approach is not the short term answer to what is an immediate problem. We have to deal with the results of violently anti-social behavior, whatever its causes. The role of government is to protect its citizenry and insure that law and order prevails. In short, government at all levels, has the obligation to provide a safe atmosphere so that real freedom can flourish. Generally speaking, the crime bill reflecting the Judiciary Committee's work is a measured step in the right direction.”