Outsider in the House, by Bernie Sanders: on Civil Rights
Bernie Sanders:
1964: civil rights activist in Congress on Racial Equality
I spent one year at Brooklyn College and 4 years at the University of Chicago, from which I graduated with a BA in 1964. I was not a good student. I learned a lot more from my out-of-class activities than I did through my formal studies.
At the university I became a member of the Congress on Racial Equality (CORE), the Student Peace Union (SPU), and the Young People's Socialist League (YPSL).
I participated in civil rights activities related to ending segregation in Chicago's school system and in housing, and I marched against the proliferation of nuclear weapons.
I also worked, very briefly, for a trade union, the United Packinghouse Workers. At the end of my junior year I worked in a mental hospital in CA as part of a project for the American Friends Service Committee.
Source: Outsider in the House, by Bernie Sanders, p. 14
Jun 17, 1997
Bernie Sanders:
Never accept racism, sexism, nor homophobia
It is vitally important to the future of this country and our state that we defeat the Republican agenda, and that we prevent the republicans from recapturing the Congress and taking the White House. That is enormously important.
But it is even more important that we as progressives and as Vermonters hold on to that special vision that has propelled us forward for so many years.
A vision which says that we judge people not by their color, their gender, their sexual orientation, their nation of birth--
but by the quality of their character, and that we will never accept sexism, racism, or homophobia.
Source: Outsider in the House, by Bernie Sanders, p. 50
Jun 17, 1997
Bob Dornan:
OpEd: Homophobic diatribes in House speeches
Homophobia is a very serious problem in this country--even within the ranks of Congress. Representative Bob Dornan (R-CA) spends much of his time on the floor delivering homophobic diatribes and, while his extremist views are atypical,
he is rarely rebuked or controlled by the Republican leadership. Last year, Dick Armey, the Republican Majority Leader, referred to openly gay congressman Barney Frank as "Barney Fag" during a press conference.
He later simulated an apology. Just a "slip of the tongue," he explained. These flagrant displays of homophobia have a political rationale.
Dornan and Company are playing to a particular constituency. Gay bashing has become a cornerstone of the agenda advanced by the Christian Coalition.
Source: Outsider in the House, by Bernie Sanders, p.134
Jun 17, 1997
Duke Cunningham:
Condemned for commenting on "homos" in military
During a debate on the floor totally unrelated to any issue concerning sexual orientation, I was stunned when Representative Duke Cunningham of CA made a gratuitous comment about "homos" in the military. I demanded that he withdraw his remarks.
Shouting ensued. "Sit down, you socialist," he yelled. The next day, after gay rights groups convened a press conference to condemn his remarks, he apologized, promising never to use the term "homo" on the House floor again.
Representative Bob Dornan (R-CA) spends much of his time on the floor delivering homophobic diatribes [among other example of homophobia]. These flagrant displays of homophobia have a political rationale.
Dornan and Company are playing to a particular constituency. Gay bashing has become a cornerstone of the agenda advanced by the Christian Coalition.
Source: Outsider in the House, by Bernie Sanders, p.134
Jun 17, 1997
Socialist Party:
Never accept racism, sexism, nor homophobia
It is vitally important to the future of this country and our state that we defeat the Republican agenda, and that we prevent the republicans from recapturing the Congress and taking the White House. That is enormously important.
But it is even more important that we as progressives and as Vermonters hold on to that special vision that has propelled us forward for so many years.
A vision which says that we judge people not by their color, their gender, their sexual orientation, their nation of birth--
but by the quality of their character, and that we will never accept sexism, racism, or homophobia.
Source: Outsider in the House, "Socialism in One City," p. 50
Jun 17, 1997
Steve Gunderson:
Openly gay & only Republican to oppose DOMA
The Defense of Marriage Act would make gay spouses ineligible for federal benefits and would allow a state to refuse recognition of gay marriage legally performed elsewhere. The bill is introduced by Rep. Bob Barr (R-GA), who personally has a great deal
of experience with the institution of marriage. He has been wed 3 times. Rep. Enid Waldholtz (R-Utah), Acting Speaker in this debate, is currently pressing charges against her former husband, Joe Waldholtz, who is cooling his heels in the slammer.
And Speaker Gingrich divorced his former wife after her cancer operation, turned to the local church for help when Gingrich refused to pay child support. These are some of the main defenders of marriage taking the floor in the debate.
The Defense of Marriage Act is supported by EVERY Republican except Wisconsin's Steve Gunderson, who is openly gay. In fact, Gunderson provides some of the strongest and most emotional arguments on the floor against this absurd piece of legislation.
Source: Outsider in the House, by Bernie Sanders, p.135
Jun 17, 1997
Page last updated: Feb 20, 2019