[Congressional Record Volume 149, Number 27 (Thursday, February 13, 2003)]
[House]
[Pages H679-H680]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
STRENGTH OF AMERICA'S FUTURE
The SPEAKER pro tempore. Under a previous order of the House, the
gentleman from Pennsylvania (Mr. Murphy) is recognized for 5 minutes.
Mr. MURPHY. Mr. Speaker, I would like to make some comments to the
Chair in the Chamber in part from my position as a Congressman, but
also in my prior career as a psychologist at a time when America's
families are facing a great deal of struggle and turmoil under the
shadow of terrorism and the current code we are facing.
I believe, as I am sure the Chair did, the strength of America's
future can be measured by the strength of America's families. We also
know that the weapons of terrorists include more than just their
horrible weapons of mass destruction or the threat to use them, but it
is also in their abilities to instill fear and worry among a people,
and it is important that we do not let them.
{time} 1945
We all know the police, the FBI, CIA, thousands of soldiers, and our
homeland security team are working to be constantly vigilant to keep
out those trying to harm us and hurt our families. But I would also
like to help Americans know that there are things people can be doing
in each and every one of their homes, as adults and children alike are
struggling at this time over what to do.
I am sure my colleagues' offices have been inundated, as have mine,
with calls from folks who are hearing about such things as stocking up
on goods and supplies, getting duct tape and plastic and having it
around their
[[Page H680]]
house in case they need it because of the level of threat and worries.
These are all things that are actions we should take just probably in
the normal course of things, making sure we have some safety devices
around the home. But it is important we do not succumb to the types of
things terrorists want us to worry about.
When terrorists threaten societies, they try to instill fear and
helplessness among citizens. They seek to hold a society or government
hostage by the fear of destruction or harm. It evokes a fundamental
sense of helplessness, which can lead to other psychological stresses
and problems. And as we are trying to cope with the irrational
information that is beyond our comprehension, to know that people are
trying to harm us, it can set up a whole chain of psychological events
culminating in fear, helplessness, vulnerability, and grief. Those
things, in turn, have an impact upon our society, our economy, as they
affect our spending and our optimism.
Let me offer some suggestions that America's families and parents can
use to cope with these struggles as they face us. First of all, it is
very important that adults be aware of the feelings that they may be
experiencing. Understand that these feelings are normal reactions to an
abnormal, stressful situation. It is important that adults educate
themselves on how to handle the situation, what to do in response and
to prepare themselves and their families.
It is important to remember that all of us have faced adversity and
trauma in the past, and try to remember what we did to pull up our own
courage and strength to overcome fear and helplessness. It is also
important to talk to others about our fears and understand that it is
okay to ask for help. It is important to make efforts to maintain the
usual routines, to think positively, to recognize that terrorists are
trying to create fear, and know we should not succumb to them.
It is also important, as adults, that we limit some of our exposure
to media coverage. The networks are now filled with news. The daily
news, the news channels, constantly barrage us with information, and it
reaches a point where people should finally turn it all off so they can
get on with their lives and, of course, also do other things to reduce
stress, getting out, doing their jobs, exercising.
I also want to mention some things, Mr. Speaker, that are important
for children. Many children struggle with knowing just what to say and
understanding their own feelings; and it is important for parents to
connect with them, to talk with them and encourage them to speak about
how they are feeling about events. Ask children what they have seen or
heard or experienced, particularly important among preteens and teens,
who may spend a lot of time on the Internet or talk to other peers.
Gossip spreads quickly among kids, and it is important adults get
involved and help them understand facts.
Assure children that parents and other adults are taking care of
them, that they will continue to help them deal with anything that
makes them feel afraid. It is also helpful to let children know that
they have experienced troubles before, and let them pull up their own
courage that has helped them overcome those troubles. It is helpful to
remind them to do their best at whatever they are doing, their
homework, their activities, their chores or hobbies, because it is that
sense of mastery which gives all of us an ability to deal with these
troubled times.
Let me also say it is important for parents and children to spend
time praying together, for hope, for peace, and just the very act of
keeping families together.
During these troubled times, let us remember this, that this Nation,
this great Nation that was founded in the pursuit of liberty, fed by
daily acts of courage and strengthened by exercising our freedom, will
remain strong and great. And know that every family builds upon their
strength and hope and courage. That is what stands between us and
terrorists and that is what will help us remain victorious and strong
as a nation.
Mr. Speaker, during this time I know that these are the things that
will help our families in America. The bonds of our families in America
will help us remain strong as we face these troubles.
____________________