Political Quotes

“I stand before you today and before the Nation not as a Senator, not as an elected official but as a humble South Carolinian. The past week has been one of terrible tragedy and amazing unity. Last Wednesday night, we experienced an unimaginable tragedy. Nine men and women--nine mothers, fathers, sisters, brothers, sons, daughters--were lost forever. The hateful and racist actions of one deranged man have changed nine families forever. It has changed South Carolina forever and Charleston forever. But what we saw from the nine families at last Friday's bond hearing was simple. It was powerful and absolutely the best of who we are as Americans. A few minutes ago I was in the cloakroom, and I had the opportunity to talk to one of the victim's sons, Daniel Simmons, Jr. I was talking to him back there. I said: Is there anything you want me to share when I go on the floor of the Senate? He said: Please share that God cares for his people. God still lives. I was amazed. Then he said with great enthusiasm and energy and a sense of excitement: This evil attack will lead to reconciliation, restoration, and unity in our Nation. Those are powerful words. It is with great sadness and amazing hope that our future as a nation has been changed. It has been changed because one person decided to murder nine. It has been changed because the response of those nine families has been so courageous and so inspiring. If you permit me, I will read the names of those nine individuals.…”