The Senate has been debased to the level of a forum of hate and character assassination sheltered by the shield of congressional immunity.

I always try to think before I talk.

Every human being is entitled to courtesy and consideration. Constructive criticism is not only to be expected but sought.

The right to criticize: the right to hold unpopular beliefs; the right to protest; the right of independent thought. The exercise of these rights should not cost one single American citizen his reputation or his right to a livelihood... Otherwise none of us could call our souls our own.

I speak as briefly as possible because too much harm has already been done with irresponsible words of bitterness and selfish political opportunism. I speak as simply as possible because the issue is too great to be obscured by eloquence. I speak simply and briefly in the hope that my words will be taken to heart.

We are Republicans. But we are Americans first. It is as Americans that we express our concern with the growing confusion that threatens the security and stability of our country.

When people keep telling you that you can't do a thing, you kind of like to try it.