[Congressional Record Volume 149, Number 53 (Wednesday, April 2, 2003)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E650]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


  CONDEMNING THOSE WHO SLANDER OUR YOUNG MEN AND WOMEN RISKING THEIR 
                          LIVES FOR THE NATION

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. JOHN E. SWEENEY

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, April 2, 2003

  Mr. SWEENEY. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to condemn anyone who feels it 
is proper to slander the great young men and women who are risking 
their lives for our great nation. It is tragic enough that doubts 
abound about the integrity and motivations of many of our military 
actions in the eyes of the people of this country, but to advocate the 
killing of our military personnel is outrageous.
  Sadly, Mr. Speaker, this is a very grim and unfortunate situation 
which has raised the ire of myself and countless others from all walks 
of life. I am speaking about an assistant professor at Columbia 
University, Nicholas De Genova, who stated that he hoped ``there would 
be a million Mogadishus,'' which means he hopes millions of young 
American soldiers are shot, mutilated, and paraded through the streets; 
all of which are war crimes. He then went on to say, ``The only true 
heroes are those who find ways to help defeat the U.S. military.''
  It is this type of outlandish anti-American sentiment I stand to 
condemn. It is my belief that anyone who states such absurdities is 
speaking in support of terrorism and is going against everything for 
which the United States stands.
  As the War in Iraq continues, it is more important to support our 
troops. In an all voluntary military, it is imperative we demonstrate a 
commitment to supporting our military personnel at every turn by 
reinforcing the values they hold, not by attacking them and questioning 
their character and certainly not by advocating killing them. We must 
fight anyone who attacks those who stand side by side as one to fight 
and die if necessary to secure our most sacred virtue, our freedom!

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