Political Quotes

“I rise to support H. Res. 212, expressing the Sense of Congress on the UN World Conference Against Racism. I want to thank and express my appreciation to my colleague, Congressman Lantos, for authorizing this legislation. I believe this bill is a step in the right direction. In addition, I firmly believe that the United States must not boycott this conference. The World Conference Against Racism will provide an important and credible platform to discuss slavery, xenophobia, sexism, religious intolerance, hate crimes and other forms of racism. In addition, it is long past due for the United States to formerly acknowledge its role in the institution of Trans-Atlantic Slavery and to begin the healing process for more than 30 million African Americans--many of whom are descendants of slaves. Representatives from the Bush administration have stated that the United States will not send an official delegation to the World Conference Against Racism in Durban, South African if language regarding slavery and reparations, is included in the WCAR agenda. However, I strongly believe that the Bush Administration's position on excluding the discussion on slavery and reparations is wrong and must be reconsidered. The United States' unwillingness to address this issue sends the wrong message. The United States Government sanctioned slavery in this country for hundreds of years, completely devastating the lives of generations and generations of Africans in America.”