Political Quotes

“over the last week, I have watched the affairs in Tahrir Square in Cairo, as millions of Americans have, and I was deeply impressed by the peaceful demonstration of Egyptian citizens calling for change in their nation--change that would respond to the economic plight of ordinary citizens, change that would give ordinary citizens the opportunity to be a part of the voice directing the course of their nation. Until yesterday, those protests were absolutely peaceful. But that did change yesterday when pro-Mubarak forces entered the fray. Last night, I was watching as Molotov cocktails were being thrown by pro-Mubarak forces down from adjacent buildings onto the protesters below. I watched as organized thugs proceeded to stone those protesters. I watched as there was sporadic gunfire in the square. I watched as a group of horsemen galloped through the crowd whipping people with their whips. This thuggery against citizens who were peacefully protesting is absolutely unacceptable. The United States has had a long and close relationship with Egypt. We channel a tremendous amount of economic development aid to Egypt. But let me be very clear. What happened yesterday cannot happen again. What happened yesterday, with thugs attacking peaceful demonstrators on behalf of the government must not happen again. In no way can America turn a blind eye to this ruthless assault on ordinary citizens.”