[Congressional Record Volume 149, Number 121 (Friday, September 5, 2003)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1712]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




A TRIBUTE TO GEOFFREY ARONOW--OUTGOING PRESIDENT OF THE AMERICAN CIVIL 
             LIBERTIES UNION FOR THE NATIONAL CAPITAL AREA

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. ARTUR DAVIS

                               of alabama

                    in the house of representatives

                      Thursday, September 4, 2003

  Mr. DAVIS of Alabama. Mr. Speaker, in February of this year, I joined 
with individuals from the President's Committee of the American Civil 
Liberties Union of the National Capital Area for dinner at the home of 
two of its members, Charlie Cerf and Cynthia Dunbar.
  On that occasion, I learned a great deal about the activities of this 
particular Affiliate of the National ACLU, and I met and talked with 
its President, Geoffrey Aronow. I found him to be a person who is very 
committed to preserving and protecting civil liberties. I understand 
that Mr. Aronow recently retired from his position as President, and I 
believe it is important that we pause, acknowledge his dedicated 
service and thank him for his untiring and selfless work in behalf of 
the cause of defending our Constitution.
  These are indeed difficult times, times that challenge us in many 
ways, puzzling and unpredictable times. Mr. Aronow's presidency spanned 
the months and now years since the events of September 11th, 2001. I 
have come to learn that, through it all, he has been steadfast, 
unwavering, unequivocal and unambiguous in his words as well as his 
deeds when matters of the Bill of Rights are at stake. He appreciates 
that the legal experience in America is enriched and venerated by 
citizens and non-citizens alike because our history is one of fierce 
defense of the liberties guaranteed by the first Ten Amendments.
  Mr. Speaker, America is not great due to our advanced technology, our 
many resources or our military might. Those things make us strong. They 
do not make us great. America is great because of citizens like 
Geoffrey Aronow, the best and the brightest we have to offer, the most 
noble, those of unparalleled integrity. He deserves our appreciation 
for a job well done.

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