Political Quotes

“an ancient proverb cautions ``Arrogance diminishes wisdom.'' Sadly, this proposal ignores that warning, indulging institutional arrogance at the expense of wise legislating. Based on the transparent facade the President's transmittal of the Colombia Free Trade Agreement violates a ``protocol,'' the House today is asked to vitiate a law and a process upon which the administration, the Congress and the people of Colombia have relied in good faith. The alleged breach of manners? A claimed failure to consult the House on the agreement. But, as has been said, consultation has been extensive, and those consultations have had an impact. The Government of Columbia has done a great deal--more than some may have thought wise, in fact--to address Democratic concerns about human rights, labor organizing, and other issues. It's called ``fast track authority'' for a reason. No argument about process niceties can change the meaning of those words. There is supposed to be a deadline for a vote in this House. That's the very point of the requirement we're being asked to waive today. In fact, the supposed failure to consult is just the latest pretext for the shameless politicization of free trade policy and the abandonment of a key ally. The perverse truth underlying the political battle lines over trade: This action would harm American interests at home and abroad.”