Political Quotes

“get over it; get over it.'' That is what those in power often say to people whose rights have been violated yet still have the audacity to raise their voice in protest. Get over it. We have heard that whenever our objections make it inconvenient for those in power to peacefully relish the fruits of their wrongdoing. But it is important that this Nation understand why so many people cannot get over this one. The inability to get over it is not based upon stubbornness or misdirected anger or a victim mentality or an eagerness to play the race card. It is the logical and understandable by-product of years, decades, and even centuries of concerted efforts to disenfranchise minority voters in this country. We must not look at this as an isolated incident, a fluke, or an aberration because it is not. Instead, we must view it in its proper historical context. When we do this, we see why the debacle in Florida is the latest, but certainly not the only example of why the long struggle to win the franchise is not over. Attempts by blacks to gain the right to vote go back even back before the Civil War. We have already heard some of the testimony and statements given my colleagues, and I note that I have been joined by another one of my colleagues, who I would like to give an opportunity to be heard. Mr. Speaker, I yield time to my colleague, the gentleman from Alabama (Mr. Hilliard).”