Political Quotes

“I think that this House should not be mired down in a foolish consistency on these types of policies, especially when it relates to a gentleman like Matthew Robinson, who has been an extraordinary citizen of our country and who has faced many obstructions. Not only was he an Olympic athlete, and it is true that we could recount all of the facets of his life, but one I want to point to in speaking in relationship to H.R. 4157 is that it is true that the city of Pasadena just honored both Matthew and his brother, Jackie Robinson, but it is also true that when he returned to that city to work there in the city, he was fired at a time when all African-American employees were fired by the city of Pasadena as part of litigation related to desegregation and other matters taking place in California at that time. I do not think that this House would serve itself well to delay this legislation as a result of the inability of the sponsor to get all of the i's dotted and t's crossed. I think what is most important is that this is someone who deserves this honor, and that we should move with haste to honor him in this respect.”