Cheryl Sabel's Announcement Speech, March 13, 2008 – Candidate for U.S. Congress, AL Dist. 2

Thank you to my family, friends, and the press for joining me today at the Civil Rights Memorial. Standing here, we are mindful of the courage and sacrifice others made in the struggle for equality and justice for all. Progress has been made. For the first time in history, an African-American and a woman are serious contenders for the office of President of this country. We have seen record-breaking voter turnout, with our youth engaged in the process. Enthusiasm and hope for real change has everyone excited.

But we face tremendous challenges. One-third of Alabamians live below the poverty line. We learned last week that 1 out of every 100 Americans are in prison. Despite the fact that women make up over one-half the population, reproductive rights hang by a thread. Costs for fuel and prescription drugs continue to skyrocket. People cannot afford health insurance. Millions of Americans are losing their homes to foreclosure. Our seniors cannot live on their Social Security benefits and Medicaid is in trouble. We continue to outsource jobs, while importing food and products that are often tainted with toxic chemicals. It has been a long 8 years!

The change that our country desperately needs requires leaders who will work to provide opportunities for all to succeed. Today, I announce my candidacy as a Democrat for the United States Congress, Alabama , 2 nd District, to be a catalyst for positive change.

Our workers deserve to earn a decent living wage. Education is vital to opportunity and success, and we must ensure that ALL our children have access to a quality public school education from preschool programs to college and vocational training. And I will fight for universal healthcare for every man, woman, and child.

The war in Iraq must end now. When Congress stops funding this war, we can begin to heal our nation and our economy. Our veterans have not been treated well. We must restore and expand their benefits. America must honor its treaties and we the people must demand that the principles of justice and fairness and human rights be applied to all -- even our enemies. Torture, under any circumstance, is unacceptable.

I have lived in Alabama all my life. We are a proud, hardworking, and diverse people. But we all want the same basic things. We want the best for our children and grandchildren. We all want clean air to breathe and pure water to drink. And when it is time for us to retire, we want to be able to do so.

I will be spending the weeks between now and June 3 in every one of the 16 counties that make up the 2 nd District, talking to people about their concerns.

My life has prepared me for this job and I will work hard. I have proved that I have the courage of my convictions and the strength of character to fight for what I believe. Together, we can do this. It is not only my campaign, it is OUR campaign and together we will fight for an Alabama and an America that stands for equality and justice for all.