Violence Nor Silence is the Answer

Floor Speech

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Ms. STANSBURY. Mr. Speaker, violence is never the answer, but neither is silence.

We must reject political violence in all of its forms and push back against all who would seek to stoke further violence, division, and fear amongst us. In fact, the very foundation of our democracy is built on the idea that the voices of our people are our most powerful tool, exercised at the ballot box, the debate podium, and in our communities. That is how we come together as a nation to form a more perfect Union.

Indeed, the very concept of democracy was forged in that crucible, that a government by the people and for the people is exercised through the fellowship of debate.

Let us join in that fellowship to see our fellow Americans as brothers and sisters, as neighbors and friends, even when we disagree. Yet, let this not become a moment to silence debate or silence dissent or silence the truth or those of conscience who work to hold our leaders accountable and right the wrongs of an unjust world. That is how history will remember us: those who stood, those who spoke, and those who fought to protect our democracy and bend the arc of history toward justice.

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