Peter Appleton:
The 5th Amendment is out of the question. But there is another Amendment that I'd like to invoke. I wonder if anyone here is familiar with it. "Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion."
Congressman Doyle:
Mr. Appleton, you're out of order, Sir!
[Congressman Doyle continues to berate Appleton as he continues his speech]
Peter Appleton:
[reading from Adele's book of the Constitution]
"Congress shall make no law... respecting... an establishment of religion... or prohibiting the free exercise thereof... or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press... or of the right of the people peaceably to assemble and petition the government for a redress of grievances."
Congressman Doyle:
You will not presume to lecture this Committee, Sir!
Peter Appleton:
That's the First Amendment, Mr. Chairman. It's everything we're about if only we'd live up to it!
Elvin Clyde:
[speaking softly to Congressman Doyle]
Let him, let him talk. He's just hanging himself.
Peter Appleton:
It's the most important part of the contract every citizen has with this country. And even though these contracts - the Constitution, and the Bill of Rights! - even though they're just pieces of paper with signatures on them... they're the only contracts we have that are most definitely NOT subject... to renegotiation... not by you, Mr. Chairman...
Congressman Doyle:
Mr. Appleton!
Peter Appleton:
Not by you, Mr. Clyde...
Congressman Doyle:
You will stand down, Sir!
Peter Appleton:
Not by anyone, ever. Too many people have paid for this contract in blood!
Congressman Doyle:
Enough, Sir! You are out of order!
Peter Appleton:
[holds up Luke's Congressional Medal of Honor and the room falls silent]
People like Luke Trimble... and all the sons of Lawson, California.
Stan Keller:
[in Mabel's Diner in Lawson, with Mabel, Bob, Mayor Doyle, and Stan listening to the radio]
You're damn right. And they deserve better than this.
[looks at Bob working the grill]
Stan Keller:
All you boys do.
[Mayor Doyle is speechless as a tear rolls down his cheek]
Congressman Doyle:
[banging his gavel]
I will have order or I will clear this chamber!
Peter Appleton:
When you get right down to it, fellas... that's all I have to say to you.
[turns and begins walking out of the courtroom]
Congressman Doyle:
You are not excused, Sir. The witness will resume his seat, you are not excused, Sir!
[the crowd in the courtroom stands and begins to applaud as Appleton nears the exit]
Congressman Doyle:
You will resume your seat! You...
[Congressman Doyle cuts off as he realizes no one is listening]
