Sen. Cruz: Remember the Courage of MLK
Commemorates MLK Day and champions school choice as the civil rights issue of the 21st century
WASHINGTON, D.C. - U.S. Sen. Ted Cruz, R-Texas, today issued the following statement commemorating the legacy of Martin Luther King, Jr. and urging Americans to expand school choice and open opportunities for all:
"There are few men in the history of this Nation who have shaped our national character more than the man we commemorate today.
"Reverend Martin Luther King, Jr. changed the course of history for America, demanding that we put an end to the culture of bigotry against our fellow citizens.
"He bravely laid out a challenge that forced our Nation to look deep into its soul and ask: will we continue to tolerate segregation and second-class citizenry for millions of our brothers and sisters? Or, will we usher in a new civil rights era to finally honor the dignity of each person and make the American Dream achievable for all?
"Carrying a message of hope and love, he appealed to our conscience and asked each of us to have ‘the courage to face the uncertainties of the future.'
"He said that courage, ‘will give our tired feet new strength as we continue our forward stride toward the city of freedom. When our days become dreary with low-hovering clouds of despair and when our nights become darker than a thousand midnights, let us remember that there is a creative force in this universe working to pull down the gigantic mountains of evil, a power that is able to make a way out of no way, and transform dark yesterdays into bright tomorrows.'
"Today, we again need to draw upon that reservoir of courage to defeat bigotry and expand opportunity for everyone. The challenge to fight for justice and secure the blessings of liberty for every man, woman, and child in America continues.
"Today, school choice is the civil rights battle of the 21st century, and we need to work tirelessly to ensure that every child has access to an excellent education, regardless of race, ethnicity, or zip code.
"Dr. King inspires our journey. He fought to unlock the gates of liberty for all and, together, we must work every day to ensure they remain forever open."
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