Political Quotes

“from Johnson Grove Baptist Church in Tennessee in January 1995, to the Church of the Living God in Greenville, TX, just this week, America's black churches are under siege. The recent outbreak of arson crimes throughout the United States recalls a dark era in the history of our great Nation. In all, 33 black churches have been torched in the past 18 months in a rash of disturbing acts of violence, racism, and hatred. This cannot be tolerated. The pain and anguish of these fires can be felt here in Washington and throughout the Nation by people of all races and creeds who value tolerance and diversity. While there is no clear evidence of a national conspiracy, it is clear that racial hostility is the driving force behind these reprehensible incidents. This must and will stop. It is hard to imagine a more depraved and senseless act of violence than the destruction of a place of worship. In this Nation, black churches were burned in the 1950's and 1960's to intimidate civil rights workers. The sight of a Southern black church burning is part of a hateful mosaic which includes beatings, murders, and lynchings. It is easy to try and relegate these memories to the past. Yet, the recent crimes show that there is much work to be done when it comes to the end of discrimination and the promotion of civil rights for all. As many oppressed races and religions know, the specter of hatred can rise at any time and in any place.”