[Congressional Record Volume 147, Number 134 (Tuesday, October 9, 2001)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1835]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




          SUPPORT OF AMERICAN MILITARY AND THE AMERICAN PEOPLE

                                 ______
                                 

                       HON. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                        Tuesday, October 9, 2001

  Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I rise to support 
the American military and the American people. The terrorist acts of 
September 11, 2001 were inexcusably the acts of cowards,'' said 
Congresswoman Johnson. ``The perpetrators of those acts have sought to 
pervert the Islamic faith and to use it as a justification, but in so 
doing, they have betrayed the very principles they purport to uphold. 
There is, and never will be, any religious justification for the 
killing of innocent people. Those who seek to convince the world that 
there is any sound reasoning behind the acts of terror committed is 
simply betraying their own insanity. America has every right, and 
should exercise every right, to protect its citizens.
  I continue to encourage the use of diplomatic efforts to the greatest 
extent possible to win the war on terrorism. We should ensure that we 
communicate with our neighbors in the world community and develop 
alliances wherever those relationships will be positive. We should 
listen to people who think differently than we do. America does, 
however, have the right to defend itself and will not compromise the 
right to take whatever action is necessary to protect its people, 
militarily or otherwise. Clearly, there are people around the world who 
do not agree with all of America's international activities. In a 
civilized world, though, we deal with our differences through 
discussion. In a civilized world, we seek to change opinions. In a 
civilized world, we understand that the views of a small minority on 
the radical fringes of fundamentalism will never dictate the activities 
of the masses. America will never, ever bow to the wishes of 
terrorists. We will continue to dedicate ourselves to improving our 
democracy and making it more inclusive. We will continue to lead the 
world economy and find new ways to ensure that everyone participates in 
prosperity. Most importantly, our nation will continue to refine our 
model of freedom and hold that model up as a beacon for the rest of the 
world.
  Like most of my colleagues, and most Americans, I support the actions 
of the President to take proactive steps to rid the world of the 
terrorist threat. We should continue to act against strategic targets 
and protect the lives of the innocent without fail. All of our 
constituents should understand that this will not be a quick process, 
and it will not be a perfect process, but it will ultimately result in 
a secure freedom for generations to come all over the world. While we 
should listen to the sentiments of other nations, we will never 
acquiesce to the demands of the sick forces of oppression.
  Mr. Speaker, Osama bin Laden, and anyone else who thinks that they 
can divide the American people, or separate America from its 
International partners in peace, should know that their efforts are 
futile. We are a strong people, united in our belief in democracy. Most 
importantly, those who think that their cowardly acts will earn them a 
seat in Heaven should know that God despises cowards, despises 
hypocrites, and despises murderers. They will not succeed in their plan 
to pit Arabs against Americans, Muslims against Christians, and to 
prostitute the plight of the Palestinians for their own ruthless 
purpose. The forces of terror will, in short order, find themselves 
isolated, and find themselves punished for their sins against freedom.

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