Political Quotes

“Mr. President, I rise to speak about an issue of critical importance to the future of our democracy. I have in my hand the majority opinion titled ``Citizens United.'' This Supreme Court decision, decided on the narrowest of grounds, is of profound importance to our Nation and how the voices of citizens get heard or get drowned out. This decision, Citizens United, is a dagger poised at the heart of American democracy. Our Nation is unique in world history in that it was founded not on nationality of royal bloodlines but on a simple idea, a simple yet revolutionary idea that the country's people are in charge. As was so often the case, Abraham Lincoln said it better than most. He said, the United States is a ``government of the people, by the people, for the people.'' What that means is that we elected officials work for the people. They elect us. They are in charge. But this formula, government by and for the people, cannot survive if our elections are not open, free, and fair, and Citizens United ends open, free, and fair elections in America. This decision says that unlimited secret and foreign funds can be spent on elections in the United States of America. Let me restate that. This decision, Citizens United, says unlimited secret funds can be spent on elections in the United States of America. This is not just some hypothetical.…”