'Mr. President, you said would we have more leverage if both parties got our votes, but we didn't come this far playing political games. It was those that earned our vote that got our vote. We got the Civil Rights Act under a Democrat. We got the Voting Rights Act under a Democrat. We got the right to organize under Democrats. Mr. President, the reason we are fighting so hard, the reason we took Florida so seriously, is our right to vote wasn't gained because of our age. Our vote was soaked in the blood of martyrs, soaked in the blood of good men, soaked in the blood of four little girls in Birmingham. This vote is sacred to us. This vote can't be bargained away. This vote can't be given away. Mr. President, in all due respect, Mr. President, read my lips: Our vote is not for sale.'
About this quote
- What does it mean?
- The speaker asserts that their community's vote was earned through historical struggle and civil rights victories, not political maneuvering.
- In plain terms
- Our vote is sacred and was won through sacrifice, not to be traded for political favors.
- What can you take from it?
- Do not treat the hard-won right to vote as a commodity.
Where it applies
Putting it to work
Questions to consider
- What does it mean to honor a vote?
- How do we ensure votes are not bought?
Another view
Focusing solely on party loyalty might overlook individual candidate accountability.
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