[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.

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