One hundred-fifty years ago, the great French commentator, Alexis de Tocqueville , observed a peculiar fact--that two principles which in Europe had historically been mutually exclusive--the spirit of religion and the spirit of liberty--had somehow been combined and made mutually supportive here in America. Part of the reason for that happy fact lies right here.

When warden Moses Seixas of Touro Synagogue wrote to President George Washington to wish him well and to give thanks for a government `erected by the majesty of the people' which gave everyone--regardless of their origins--the liberty to worship in peace and enjoy equally the protections of citizenship, he started a series of events which had consequences far beyond what he could have ever imagined.

And when President Washington, in his reply, wrote of how proud we should be for having given mankind a country where `all possess alike liberty of consicence and immunities of citizenship' he captured the very ideals that make America special.

And, in what I think is one of the most remarkable insights of the letter, President Washington notes that we're not talking about toleration the way it was throughout history, where one privileged group granted others some limited rights as a form of indulgence, `allowing' them to be treated fairly. No! What George Washington says is that there is no single group which holds sway over the rest of us. All of us have inherent natural rights, and the only thing required of us is that we conduct ourselves as good citizens and support the government. The government didn't just `allow' the Jews to practice their religion and conduct their business like everyone else; the President said it was their right all along--so it couldn't be taken back arbitrarily if someone in power changed his mind. That's what's so important here.

When they sought Washington's assurance of their right to practice their religion, to be free from government persecution, to be treated like all citizens of this country, the Jews of Newport were not just achieving something for themselves. They established a percedent which applied to every other religion. And a year later, that precedent was codified in the Bill of Rights as the First Amendment to the Constitution.

And look at what we've gained. Look at what that freedom from oppression has enabled America's Jewish citizens to contribute to this country during the last two centuries. Art, education, music, science, literature, religion, business--the list goes on and on. The political and community involvement of America's Jewish citizens--across the entire spectrum of issues and views--is absolutely remarkable. The philanthropy of America's Jewish community has aided those less fortunate out of all proportion to their numbers. The Jewish community has strengthened and enriched the intellectual and economic and political fabric of American life to an extraordinary degree.

Today, we have the opportunity to rejoice in the success of the Touro congregation to be treated like any other citizens, and to celebrate in the wisdom of George Washington and the other founding fathers, who realized that our diversity did not have to breed hate and suspicion and discrimination, that our `unlikeness' did not prevent us from being good citizens in a society of mutual trust, and respect, and consideration. Rather than being a weakness, America's diversity has become our strength.

Yes, we do have much to be thankful for today. For the congregation of Touro Synagogue truly helped make America what it is--a special place where all can live in peace together.

Thank you, and shalom.

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Mr. THURMOND. Mr. President, I suggest the absence of a quorum.

The PRESIDING OFFICER. The clerk will call the roll.

The legislative clerk proceeded to call the roll.

Mr. SIMON. Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that the order for the quorum call be rescinded.

The PRESIDING OFFICER.