[Congressional Record Volume 147, Number 117 (Tuesday, September 11, 2001)]
[House]
[Page H5496]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




               AMERICA, A BEACON OF FREEDOM TO THE WORLD

  (Mr. PITTS asked and was given permission to address the House for 1 
minute and to revise and extend his remarks.)
  Mr. PITTS. Mr. Speaker, for as long as we live, we will remember 
September 11, 2001, and the moments when we first heard that America 
was viciously attacked in horrible acts of war by terrorists who 
declared war on America. We did not seek this war, but it is a war that 
has been brought to our shores. And we will not shirk from the 
responsibilities to respond courageously. America has always been at 
its best when it is being tested.
  Why has this war been declared on America? Because we are the symbol 
of freedom and democracy around the world. Those who are perpetrating 
this war against America, the terrorists and terrorist groups, hate 
freedom. Theirs is a totalitarian vision dressed in religious garb.
  Mr. Speaker, we have already fought and defeated totalitarian regimes 
in the past. It was our resolve, our principles, our commitment to 
life, liberty and the pursuits of happiness that brought us through 
victoriously. The same will be true this time. Americans will stand 
together against these savage, desperate tactics.
  Yesterday's acts were not the acts of criminals, but the military 
acts of enemies. And military tactics demand military responses. 
Terrorism is a tactic of the weak, but America is strong. We must 
declare war on these terrorist groups, the vicious barbarians aiming at 
our destruction and those who harbor them.
  America will respond with resolve. We will continue to be the beacon 
of freedom in the world.

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