Rep. John Lewis sorrowfully spoke about the gravity of Wednesday’s vote on two articles of impeachment for President Donald Trump on the floor of the U.S. House of Representatives.
Throughout the day, Democrats shared their arguments of support on the historic vote for Trump to be impeached for abuse of power and obstruction of Congress.
On Wednesday afternoon, Lewis bellowed with regret about the circumstances that led to what he referred to as a “sad day.”
The Georgia congressman addressed Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi first with positive reflections about days that he and other members of Congress “chose.” He spoke about being a Freedom Rider during the March on Washington and the day the bill for the Voting Rights of 1965 was signed into law. Those days, he told the House, were full of joy, hope and excitement.
“Today, this day. We didn’t ask for this. This is a sad day. This is not a day of joy,” he roared. “Our nation is founded on the principle that we don’t have kings. We have presidents, and the Constitution is our compasses. When you see something that is not right, not just, not fair, you have a moral obligation to say something, to do something.”
Lewis, who has served Georgia’s 5th District since 1987, ended his speech by saying the generations beyond his will ask questions about what decisions were made during this notable time in American history.
“For some, this vote may be hard,” he said. “We have a mission, and we have a mandate to be on the right side of history.”
Lewis’ earnest address to the House made waves across Twitter.
Reminder: if you're on the opposite side of John Lewis, national treasure, you're on the wrong side.
— Jeremy Neely (@jeremyneely) December 18, 2019
“We do not have kings. We have presidents,” says Rep. John Lewis of Georgia, who literally bled for democracy.
— Mara Gay (@MaraGay) December 18, 2019
Some refuted Lewis’ sentiments why the president should be impeached.
They aren't interested in the "right side", @RepMaxineWaters and John Lewis simply want to make history ... regardless of how shallow it may be.
— Rack City (@CityMitch93) December 18, 2019
