Political Quotes

“having returned from a heart-wrenching trip to Virginia Tech yesterday, it is hard to stand here and find words to express the pain and sorrow that has befallen that community. As a parent of a student approaching college age, there is absolutely nothing more upsetting than seeing young people cut down in the prime of their lives. I will never forget, Mr. Speaker, the raw emotions that filled that convocation arena yesterday as I, along with my colleagues from Virginia, mourned with some 12,000 friends and family members of victims, half of whom at least were clad in Hokie maroon and orange. Nor will I forget the sight of a bereaved father who, overwhelmed with grief, simply collapsed. When an act of random cruelty bewilders us and pulls us down, the sort of love, generosity, courage and heroism we have seen in Blacksburg and its response serves as a counterforce. It replenishes us and demonstrates, as the Bible says, that "love is strong as death." We Virginians are resilient people, and I already know that under the strong leadership of President Charlie Steger, our brothers and sisters at Virginia Tech will band together and make it through this tragedy.”