[Congressional Record Volume 140, Number 17 (Thursday, February 24, 1994)]
[House]
[Page H]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]


[Congressional Record: February 24, 1994]
From the Congressional Record Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]

 
                CONGRESS SHOULD NOT CONDEMN FREE SPEECH

  (Mr. STRICKLAND asked and was given permission to address the House 
for 1 minute and to revise and extend his remarks.)
  Mr. STRICKLAND. Mr. Speaker, that which separates this Nation from 
all others on the face of this earth is our Constitution and our Bill 
of Rights. The Bill of Rights was written specifically to protect 
minority opinion. That is why I am so concerned about a vote that was 
cast by this body yesterday, a vote that could have the effect of 
chilling free speech--the first amendment--the cornerstone of our Bill 
of Rights.
  While I abhor racism, bigotry, and prejudice from any quarter, it is 
highly inappropriate for this body as an official instrument of 
Government to take an official position against speech uttered by an 
American citizen.
  Mr. Speaker, popular speech does not need the protection of the Bill 
of Rights. Only unpopular speech, because our forefathers were wise 
enough to know that there are some rights that are so precious, so 
fundamental that even the majority should not have the power to strip 
them away.
  Mr. Speaker, I have heard what I consider racist, bigoted and grossly 
intolerant speech spoken in the well of this House. Should we condemn 
ourselves? What about radio personalities who are offensive? Ought we 
to condemn Rush Limbaugh or Howard Stern?--I think not.
  Perhaps as a body we should heed the words of a great moral teacher 
who said, ``Let him who is without sin cast the first stone.''

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