Impeachment Hearings House Judiciary Committee, July 25, 1974 Walter Flowers
Impeachment Hearings House Judiciary Committee, July 25, 1974 Walter Flowers
Impeachment Hearings House Judiciary Committee, July 25, 1974 Statement of Representative Walter Flowers (D - Alabama) [00.56.50] [Continued Speech by Representative FLOWERS, D-Ala.] Obviously America is a nation with many flaws, but it is also nation with hope so vast that only the most foolish or the most pessimistic would fail to realize it. We, have, all made mistakes, and will probably make some more in the future. Some of them have be' big ones with important and even sometimes tragic consequences. But, my friends and fellow countrymen, we have not always failed and it is important to be aware of our successes as well. In all of history there has been no other nation to do as much for our own people while at the same time extending a helping hand of freedom, generosity and compassion to a world in need. And I say it is important to remember these accomplishments, and let us remember that some of them have been accomplished in the last 6 years under President Nixon, because they might otherwise be persuaded to abandon those values and those institutions that are responsible largely for these achievements and they are also, I say, our best hope for further progress. Now, I have said on many times that we can make great progress and improve our society, and still not have anything that will live or last unless we concern ourselves with underlying values. If we believe in nothing, my friends, if we don't have a sense of moral purpose, then there is little possibility of our Nation or we as individuals reaching the heights of which we are capable. We have, in the, tradition of this Nation, a well-tested framework of values, liberty, justice, worth, and dignity of the individual, in individual responsibility, and more. Our problem is not now to find be values, but I say our problem is to be faithful to those that we pro and to make them live in modern times. You know, I always think back to the Preamble of our Constitution. It starts off, as we all know, "We the people of the United States. And surely, at least to me, there is no more inspiring phrase than, the people, of the United States." Not -we the, public officials Of United States, not we the certified experts, or we the educators, we the educated, or we the grownups over 21 or 25. -Not we the privleged classes or whatever. But just simply we the people, we acting our communities across the Nation can pull our fragmented society together again. At the grassroots of our complex and mechanized industrialized Nation, we can renew the moral fiber of America. Young and old alike, we can create an America in which men and women, and young people speak to one another once again in trust mutual respect. We sharing common objectives and working toward common goals can bring our Nation to a point of confidence and well-being. We can provide a soul and character so vitally needed in our native land. 'You know, we are the people of the United States, and we can do these things. We here in this room are the representatives also, of the people of the United States, and even more particularly in this case, representatives of the representatives of the people. And we have awesome task that no one else can do for us. Let me close my remarks here by paraphrasing something Harry Truman was Supposed to have said once. "I try never to forget who I am. and where I come from and where I am going back to." And I would add that I cannot forget that I must get Up every morning for the rest of my life and live with my decision here on these terrible alternatives. I shall listen to these debates, and only then shall I cast my vote.. And I can only vote as I am convinced in my heart and mind, based on the Constitution and on the evidence. you, Mr. Chairman. The CHAIRMAN. The committee -will recess until 1:30.