In all of the ridiculousness on display from House Republicans over calling Donald Trump's racist tweets "racist," with squishy journalism gatekeepers (Keith Woods, NPR's vice president for newsroom training and diversity!) arguing that we shouldn't use the word "racist", moral clarity once again comes from John Lewis.
The Georgia congressman and bona fide civil rights hero gave what should be the definitive and final word on racism on the floor Tuesday.
I rise with a sense of righteous indignation to support this resolution. I know racism when I see it. I know racism when I feel it. And at the highest level of government, there's no room for racism. It sows the seeds of violence and destroys the hopes and dreams of people.
The world is watching. They are shocked and dismayed because it seems we have lost our way. As a nation, as a proud and great people. We are one Congress. And we are here to serve one House. The American House. The American people.
Some of us have been victims of the pain and hurt of racism. In the 1950's and 1960's, segregationists told us to go back when we protested for or rights. They told ministers, priests, rabbis, and nuns to go back. They told the innocent little children seeking just an equal education, to go back.
As a nation and as a people we need to go forward and not backwards. With this vote, we stand with our sisters, three were born in America, one came here looking for a better life. With this vote, we meet our moral obligation to condemn hate, racism, and bigotry in every form.
Enough said? It should be.