Americans of every color are entitled to effective protection from violent criminals and illegal drugs. I will not knowingly support any judicial nominee for a lifetime appointment who is soft on crime. Congressman Clay and Congresswoman Waters have chosen today to attack my character, rather than discuss the nomination on its merits. The words of men and women who have sought to know neither my head nor my heart will not alter my thoughts on justice and race. Instead, I will continue to draw my views from my faith, the melodies of Mahalia Jackson, the poetic beauty of James Weldon Johnson and the wise counsel of my father who taught me that the condition of one s heart is more important than the color of one s skin.
Racism corrupts the mind, infects the heart, and poisons the spirit.
It is cured one person at a time as we treat each other, as God views us, as equals. Name-calling and accusations without evidence debase our nation and poison our spirits. I hope that, upon reflection, those who attack my integrity and deepest beliefs will see fit to apologize for their words. I understand their frustration, but I hope they will understand my profound disappointment. This article first appeared in Human Events on January 8, 2001.