Political Quotes

“Mr. Speaker, it is with gratitude but heavy heart that I, on behalf of the people of the United States, the Polish Caucus of this House, and our region of Ohio, in particular, extend deepest sympathy to the people of Poland on the passing of ex-Premier of Poland Tadeusz Mazowiecki. During his exceptional and transformative life, Premier Mazowiecki played a leading role in ushering in the first era of liberty that Poland had been afforded in modern history. Poland has assumed a pivotal and leading role in the European Union. History is still recording its rich, elegiac, and poignant history in the struggle to defeat tyranny and give rebirth to freedom. As The New York Times reported this week, Premier Mazowiecki became the first non-Communist to head an Eastern Bloc nation since the late 1940s. Solidarity in Poland grew with his engagement as Poland led the anti-Communist movement in occupied Europe. Premier Mazowiecki's leadership of Poland at a time of critical change toward a democratic state has secured for him a permanent place in the history of a free Poland in Europe. He lived to see Poland's admission to NATO and Poland's growing cooperation within the world of nations. An accomplished literary figure, intellectual, and Roman Catholic thinker and writer, Premier Mazowiecki embodied the meaning of a renaissance man. His imprisonment by the Communist Party for his progressive beliefs never dampened his spirit. He was a freedom fighter in word and deed. Mr.…”