[Congressional Record Volume 166, Number 164 (Tuesday, September 22, 2020)]
[House]
[Page H4653]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                              {time}  1115
                     LEADERS MUST CONDEMN VIOLENCE

  (Mr. MEUSER asked and was given permission to address the House for 1 
minute and to revise and extend his remarks.)
  Mr. MEUSER. Madam Speaker, those who are placed in positions of 
leadership, particularly those elected by the people, have a 
responsibility to put their short-term interests aside for the greater 
collective good.
  We have a problem in America with violence in our streets, 
destruction of property, and hateful rhetoric toward police and 
innocent bystanders every day. As a result, people are fleeing our 
cities in droves, yet many so-called leaders have tacitly condoned the 
destruction with phrases like: ``People will do what they do,'' and, 
``There needs to be unrest in the streets for as long as there is 
unrest in our lives.'' ``No justice, no peace.'' We have all heard it.
  If such indirect encouragement is not bad enough, continued silence 
from certain leaders may be even worse.
  The idea that, after an assassination attempt of two sheriffs in 
California, the former attorney general, the top cop, and current 
Senator of the State remaining silent on this issue is outrageous.
  Just this week, as a response to the President's constitutional duty 
to nominate a Supreme Court Justice, the far left immediately stated: 
``Let this moment radicalize you.'' They later stated: ``Nothing is off 
the table.'' Just now, it was stated: ``Do so at your peril.'' That is 
a threat. This incites lawlessness and has nothing to do with national 
unity.
  We can disagree on policy, but now, more than ever, we need new 
leaders who aspire to follow in the heroic footsteps of Martin Luther 
King and call out those who fail to do so.

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