[Congressional Record Volume 144, Number 80 (Thursday, June 18, 1998)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1166]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




          CONDEMNING THE BRUTAL KILLING OF MR. JAMES BYRD, JR.

                                 ______
                                 

                               speech of

                          HON. CARRIE P. MEEK

                               of florida

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, June 11, 1998

  Mrs. MEEK of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to join with my 
colleagues in the Congressional Black Caucus and Americans of goodwill 
throughout the country tonight in condemning the brutal, heinous murder 
of James Byrd, Jr. in Jasper, Texas on June 6, by a gang of lawless 
thugs.
  Violence and hatred in our society hurt us all.
  Yet as we gather today to denounce this brutal murder, I am hopeful 
that in Mr. Byrd's memory that we as a nation will go forth and affirm 
that we are still committed to justice, and to equality in our country.
  We've seen too much hatred, too much killing. We must let the death 
of James Byrd, Jr. make us better, not bitter.
  I am hopeful that just as the citizens of Jasper, both black and 
white, have come together in a remarkable fashion and chosen redemption 
over retaliation, that this tragic event will serve as a catalyst to 
bring all America together truly as one America.

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