Political Quotes

“I first remember reading about Congressman Gonzalez because I admired him so long before I met him. In 1956, he was elected to a 4-year term in the Texas State Senate, becoming the first Mexican-American to gain a seat in that body in 110 years. He soon attracted international attention when, with a colleague, he staged the longest filibuster in the history of Texas. There were 10 race bills under consideration in which Senator Gonzalez at that time opposed. He said at the time, and I quote, ``It may be some kind of chloroform for their conscience, but if we fear long enough, we hate, and if we hate long enough, we fight.'' Eight of the bills were defeated because of Senator Gonzalez. One of those passed was later declared unconstitutional, and in 5 years in the Texas Senate, he clearly identified with the poor, opposing sales taxes and rising tuition costs, while favoring some clearance and controls on lobbyists long before it was in vogue. I am proud to honor Henry B. Gonzalez.…”