Political Quotes

“On the fifth of May, 1862, in Puebla, Mexico, a fighting force of 2,000 peasants confronted 6,000 well-equipped and expertly trained French troops. The French troops had come to conquer the small town. Instead, the peasant army prevailed, and their historic victory is celebrated each year as Cinco de Mayo. Today, millions across the Americas will celebrate the spirit of Cinco de Mayo. They will cheer the shared goals of independence, liberation, and freedom. Today, the people of North America are united in good will. Indeed, the relationship between the United States and Mexico is closer than it has ever been. We are neighbors and we are friends. Mr. President, 33 million Latinos live in the United States. The large majority, 66 percent, are of Mexican origin. In my home state of Tennessee, the Hispanic population has grown by nearly 1 million people since 1990. Hispanics are strongly represented in our Armed Forces and can claim more Congressional Medals of Honor for valor than any other group. The U.S. and Mexico are partners in NAFTA. Mexico is our second largest trading partner. The United States accounts for 60 percent of all foreign direct investment in Mexico. Mexicans living in the United States send about $9 billion a year home to their families. And more than 500,000 American citizens live in Mexico. So, today, I rise to recognize this historic day and join others in celebrating this day in this spirit.”