[Congressional Record Volume 155, Number 171 (Wednesday, November 18, 2009)]
[Senate]
[Page S11486]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                         PRESIDENTIAL CAMPAIGN

  Mr. BURRIS. Mr. President, in the last century, Dr. Martin Luther 
King, Jr., spoke often of ``the arc of the moral universe'' and how it 
bends toward justice. He held an optimistic but unvarnished view of our 
country and saw that America's greatness lives in the promise of 
expanding equality and opportunity.
  Sadly, for parts of our history, the halls of civil discourse were 
closed to people of color, women, and other groups. Too many Americans 
were denied the freedom that our founding documents guaranteed to every 
individual, and for far too long. But here in the United States, it is 
inevitable that justice wins out over tyranny in the end.
  Thanks to the leadership of Dr. King and countless other 
trailblazers--of all races, backgrounds, and walks of life--today's 
America is more free, more fair, and more equal than our forefathers 
could possibly have dreamed. And today, I come to the floor in honor of 
one of these real-life trailblazers.
  Twenty-five years ago, it was almost inconceivable that a person of 
color could become President of the United States. But that did not 
stop the Reverend Jesse L. Jackson, Sr., from mounting a serious 
campaign. Some applauded the effort, and some decried it as 
foolishness. Some said that America was not ready. But Reverend Jackson 
was undeterred. He laid righteous claim to the values that define us as 
Americans, and he shared his vision with all those who would listen and 
some who would not. And under his leadership, an otherwise ordinary 
Presidential campaign became a movement. People across America were 
inspired by what they saw, what they heard, and what they read. They 
turned out in droves to campaign for Reverend Jackson, to hear him 
speak, and to offer their support.
  Twenty-five years ago, Rev. Jesse Jackson decided to run for 
President. And his bold campaign changed American politics forever. As 
Dr. King would say, he and his supporters put their hands on the arc of 
the moral universe and caused it to bend just a bit further. He broke 
down barriers, he shattered prejudice, and he paved the way for all who 
came after. He left an indelible mark on the political and social 
landscape in this Nation and his contributions will be felt for many 
years to come.
  In 2008, thanks to the leadership and vision of Jesse Jackson, Martin 
Luther King, Jr., and countless others, America did what was once 
unthinkable: we elected an African-American man named Barack Obama to 
the highest office in our land. It was a day I never thought I would be 
fortunate enough to see. But it showed the world once again that this 
is a nation of high ideals and higher aspirations. It proved the 
enduring truth of the American dream and reinforced the true character 
of our great country.
  This Nation owes a great deal to Reverend Jackson and many like him, 
who continue to share their talent, their vision, and their abiding 
faith with the American people. So today, 25 years after his historic 
run for President, I rise to thank Jesse Jackson for all that he has 
done and for all that he continues to do. And even as we honor his 
accomplishments, we know that we can look to the future with optimism, 
secure in the certain knowledge that we are in control of our destiny.
  We, the American people, have the power to determine the course of 
this Nation, as Reverend Jackson reminded us a quarter of a century 
ago. That is the legacy to which he belongs--a legacy of equality and 
opportunity, which he has left to each of us.
  Let us honor that legacy and carry it forward, so future generations 
can share in the ever-expanding promise of the American dream.

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