![]() If I feel like I’m so right, shouldn’t I have the courage to debate it?” (Applause.) If the students’ demand, if the moms’ demand, if the people’s demand is not being heard by those who should listen and care and contemplate and reflect and think about “Maybe I should give this a moment to listen, give it a fair chance to be heard. (Applause.) That happens in a democracy too. Well, you know what? That happens in a democracy too. (Applause.) They had to get a bullhorn to be heard. So think about this: In order to make sure the voices were represented in that place where elected leaders are supposed to lead in a democracy, these leaders had to get a bullhorn. But they understood that the voices must be heard. They tried to tell them to sit down and be quiet. (Applause.)Īnd understand - so, they turned off the microphones. (Applause.) That is not what a democracy does. You don’t turn off their microphones when they are speaking - (applause) - about the importance of life and liberty. And is that not what a democracy allows? (Applause.)Ī democracy says you don’t silence the people. It’s about whose voices they were channeling. They said, “We understand, when we took an oath to represent the people who elected us, that we speak on behalf of them.” It wasn’t about the three of these leaders it was about who they were representing. And they understood the importance, these three, of standing to say that people will not be silenced to say that a democracy hears the cries, hears the pleas, who hears the demands of its people who say that children should be able to live and be safe and go to school and not be in fear. They chose to lead and show courage to say that a democracy allows for places where the people’s voice will be heard and honored and respected. We are here because they and their colleagues, the Democratic caucus of the state legislature - and I’d ask you to stand as well, please - (applause) - because they chose to show courage in the face of an extreme tragedy, which is that 11 days ago, six people - three educators and three babies, nine years old - were murdered senselessly due to gun violence. ![]() (Applause.)Īnd so I want to start by recognizing the Tennessee Three. We have seen over 7,000 students and young leaders go to the capitol to talk about what John Lewis and Diane Nash talked about - the importance of freedom, the importance of liberty, the importance of respecting the right of all people to live where they receive dignity, where they live in a place that they can be free from harm.Īnd so we are here, understanding the broad shoulders upon which we all stand - those fighters for freedom and liberty and justice, those fighters who understood the truth must never be stifled or silenced when it is on behalf of the people. (Applause.)Īnd what they learned and then taught was that if one is to understand that you are born a leader and it is just a matter of when you decide to kick that in, then you know that we will see leadership at every stage of life if people choose to turn that on.Īnd we have seen that here in Tennessee over the last couple of weeks. And I’m reminded, in particular this afternoon, of two of those leaders: the late, great John Lewis - (applause) - and, of course, the phenomenal Diane Nash. So, as the students, as the young leaders here know, the legacy of this extraordinary place of education in America has produced leaders who have gone on to be not only national leaders, but global leaders. THE VICE PRESIDENT: (Laughs.) I get that. And our prayers and our thoughts are with all of those who have been affected. And we will continue to support the families in the community. And as many of you know, the President - our President, Joe Biden, approved today a disaster declaration. So, before I discuss the reason for our convening, I do want to mention the devastating tornadoes that have taken place in this state over the last two weeks and across this region. And you have been a clear voice around what smart governance can look like when people have the courage to lead. ![]() The mayor met with me - every time I come. And I thank you for your leadership and the courage with which you have led for your tenure, but in particular over these last weeks. Mayor Cooper - Mayor Cooper, it is good to see you again. THE VICE PRESIDENT: Please have a se- (laughs). ![]() THE VICE PRESIDENT: Well, hello, everybody.
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