Political Quotes

“And still I rise. I am grateful to my colleague for yielding the floor, but I am very grateful for the opportunity to stand here in the Congress of the United States of America. It means something to me every time I have this opportunity to speak. I love my country. I love what it stands for. Yes, it is not perfect. Yes, my ancestors were treated in a horrific way, but still we have some ideals that can help us to make a difference. I believe in liberty and justice for all. I believe in the words of the Declaration of Independence: All persons created equal, endowed by the creator with certain inalienable Rights, among them life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. I believe that notwithstanding our imperfections, we still have an opportunity to have that more perfect union. I rise today, Mr. Speaker. I rise today in the name of mercy. Justice, yes. Always justice, but also mercy because justice has to do with the law and fairness, but mercy has to do with compassion and grace. And still I rise. And still I rise, a proud son of the segregated South. I know what it is like to be discriminated against. I know what it is like to drink from colored water fountains. I know what it is like to sit in the back of the bus because you are required to. I know what it is like to sit in the balcony of the movie theater because you are required to. I know what segregation is all about, and I know what apartheid is all about.…”