[Congressional Record Volume 151, Number 28 (Thursday, March 10, 2005)]
[House]
[Page H1271]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                          SPREAD OF DEMOCRACY

  (Mr. DAVIS of Kentucky asked and was given permission to address the 
House for 1 minute and to revise and extend his remarks.)
  Mr. DAVIS of Kentucky. Mr. Speaker, I truly believe that the hunger 
for freedom is a deep yearning in the hearts of all people. Freedom 
from oppressive regimes, freedom from living in fear, and freedom from 
an invasive hatred that turns neighbor against neighbor.
  We watched 8 million Iraqis risk their lives to vote for their own 
government, and we witnessed Palestinians choose a course of diplomacy 
with Israel rather than continuing a course of terror. In Lebanon, we 
are seeing the seeds of liberty being sown as people take to the 
streets seeking the power to control their own lives.
  Democracies are not born overnight. For our own security and future, 
we must be resolved in our support for people who want a governing 
structure rooted in personal liberty and that compliments their own 
country's culture. I take heart in believing that we are pursuing the 
right course of action as I remember the brave faces of Iraqis smiling 
behind a purple finger raised in defiance of terror, oppression and 
hatred.

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