Peter Appleton:
I'm sorry... but it occurs to me that there is a bigger issue today than whether or not I'm a Communist.
Elvin Clyde:
Bigger issue? Mr. Appleton, there 'is' no bigger issue.
Peter Appleton:
Actually, not to be contrary, I think there is... Gosh, I don't quite know what to say.
[Peter takes a drink of water]
Peter Appleton:
The fact is I... I've never been a man of great conviction. I never saw the percentage in it... and quite frankly, I suppose I, uh... lacked the courage. See, I'm not like Luke Trimble. He had the market cornered on those things. I never met the guy, but I feel like I've gotten to know him. The thing is, I can't help wondering what he'd say... if he were standing here right now. You know, I think what I think he'd probably tell you: the America represented in this room... is not the America he died defending.
[the crowd noise in the background rises]
Peter Appleton:
I think he'd tell you your America is bitter...
[Congressman Doyle begins banging his gavel]
Peter Appleton:
and cruel... and small.
Congressman Doyle:
The chamber will come to order!
Peter Appleton:
I know for a fact that his America was big... bigger than you could imagine... with a wide open heart
[Congressman Doyle bangs the gavel again]
Peter Appleton:
... where every person...
Congressman Doyle:
Mr. Appleton! You are out of order!
Peter Appleton:
[Speaking over Congressman Doyle]
... has a voice! Even if you don't like what they have to say.
Congressman Doyle:
Enough, Sir! You are out of order!
Peter Appleton:
If he 'were' here, I wonder how you'd respond... if you could explain to him what happened to his America.
Congressman Doyle:
Mr. Appleton, you are skating on the very thin edge of contempt.
Peter Appleton:
Well that's the first thing I've heard today that I completely agree with!
Kevin Bannerman:
Mr. Chairman... Mr. Chairman... Mr. Chairman... Mr. Chairman, my client is clearly under an enormous strain as a direct result of the belligerent questioning of Mr. Clyde, and he is therefore not responsible for his comments. At this time, we wish to invoke the Fifth Amendment.
Peter Appleton:
No, no we don't.
Kevin Bannerman:
Yes, Pete, we do.
Peter Appleton:
No, Kevin, we don't, so knock it off!
[pounds his fist on the table for punctuation, quieting the crowd]
Peter Appleton:
[in a quieter voice]
Just shut the hell up and let me get through this.
