Hoyer Participates in the Maryland Democratic Party's Virtual GOTV Rally
BOWIE, MD - This afternoon, Congressman Steny H. Hoyer (MD-05) participated in the Maryland Democratic Party's Virtual GOTV Rally. In his video message, Congressman Hoyer discussed the ongoing protests taking place around the country in response to the muder of George Floyd and endorsed Joe Biden for President. Click here to view his video message. A full transcript of his remarks is below.
“My fellow Democrats, when this rally was scheduled, we knew that this election was going to be the most important of our lives, and we thank our extraordinary Chair, Yvette Lewis, for bringing us together.
“What we did not know is that we would be meeting at a time of great immediate crisis and trauma, which shows us why, now more than ever, we must exercise our best efforts for our country, for its principles, for the people. We grieve the loss of life of George Floyd, Ahmaud Arbery, Philando Castile, Eric Garner, Trayvon Martin. Just some of the names who have so recently lost their lives.
“Just a few months ago, we passed a bill, the Anti-Lynching Act, named for Emmett Till, a young man who over half a century ago lost his life because of the color of his skin. The killing must stop.
“We see today the pain, the anger, the fear, the excruciating frustration at the loss of these lives without accountability. We need to bring our country together, not drive it apart. Black lives matter.
“We rally today for an election, the most important one of our lives, as I said. We rally for justice, we rally for honoring the truth that all men are created equal. We rally to make that a reality. We rally to save our country, and its promise. And we rally to overcome hate and division, which is all too pervasive in America today.
“And yes, we rally for Joe Biden, a man who we’ve seen over half a century act out against injustice, who has seen the pain, seen the anger, seen the excruciating frustration, and has acted to heal it. That is why we need Joe Biden as our President.
“COVID-19 has required this to be a virtual rally. But in the days and weeks ahead, we must come together with all of our talent, with all of our passion, with all of our commitment to change America, to make it all that it can be.
“Thomas Paine at the start of our Revolution said, ‘These are the times that try men’s souls.’ These are the times that try men’s souls. Our friend, our Congressman Elijah Cummings said, ‘We’re better than this.’ That’s what this election is about. That’s why we’ve come together to elect Joe Biden, and to make the promises of America the realities of America. May God bless us in this effort.”