It is crucial that members of Congress cast votes that are supportive of the values upon which our nation was founded: equality freedom and opportunity for all people.

Republicans many times can't get the words 'equality of opportunity' out of their mouths. Their lips do not form that way.

For 25 years it has been my privilege to represent the city of San Francisco and the great state of California to work to strengthen our vibrant middle class to secure opportunity and equality.

Our goals for this nation must be nothing less than to double the size of our economy and bring prosperity and jobs ownership and equality of opportunity to all Americans especially those living in our nation's pockets of poverty.

The perfection of our union especially our commitment to equality of opportunity has been a story of constant striving to live up to our Founding principles. This is what Abraham Lincoln meant when he said 'In giving freedom to the slave we assure freedom to the free - honorable alike in what we give and what we preserve.'

Democracy does not guarantee equality of conditions - it only guarantees equality of opportunity.

There can be no equality or opportunity if men and women and children be not shielded in their lives from the consequences of great industrial and social processes which they cannot alter control or singly cope with.

We face a choice this election. President Obama is fighting for changes that grow the economy from the middle out and help all Americans succeed - jobs education health reform the DREAM Act equal pay for women. He is moving us forward with opportunity today for prosperity tomorrow. Mitt Romney wants to take us back to yesterday.

Every child should have the opportunity to receive a quality education.

Education brings about opportunity and in turn inspiration.