Political Quotes

“Let me thank the gentleman from Virginia for his courtesy, and I thank the Speaker. Yesterday was the 95th birthday of former President Nelson Mandela. What a joy to be able to hear that during the time of celebration that we had here in the United States Congress, President Mandela, who had been ill for a period of time, had earphones on and was looking at television. The words that came from the minority and majority leader, Republicans and Democrats, the Speaker and leader, Republicans and Democrats and various leaders of the House, commended and recognized that a man who had come from the tyranny of separation and apartheid, who had to be against his government in order to free his people, could be recognized and applauded, because when he walked out of Robben Island, he walked without bitterness. And one of the greatest opportunities that he gave to the world was the idea that there could be a democratic election in South Africa. And from that time, he has been a man who promoted peace and promoted love and led his nation out of the devastation of separation and bitterness with kindness and love. I'm delighted to stand on the floor today and say: happy birthday, Madiba; happy birthday, President Nelson Mandela. And if it's God's will, may you live forever onward in better health. ____________________”