[Congressional Record Volume 151, Number 64 (Monday, May 16, 2005)]
[House]
[Page H3269]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                 NEWSWEEK MUST REWRITE OR RETRACT STORY

  (Ms. JACKSON-LEE of Texas asked and was given permission to address 
the House for 1 minute and to revise and extend her remarks.)
  Ms. JACKSON-LEE of Texas. Mr. Speaker, as a co-chair of the Afghan 
Caucus, let me acknowledge the fact that, although we have the first 
amendment, and we have a respected journalists and a respected 
publication, it is appropriate that we have an apology for the tragedy 
that has occurred in Afghanistan and in Pakistan.
  Hundreds or tens of tens have lost their lives because of a report 
that soldiers at Guantanamo Bay flushed the Quran down the toilet, a 
report that has now been suggested by the person who reported it to be 
inaccurate.
  I think in order to get ourselves back on track to create a more 
peaceful atmosphere in Afghanistan and to not undermine the peaceful 
track that the Afghani people are on with President Karsai, we must 
apologize, Newsweek must apologize, and it must, it must, rewrite the 
story or retract it if it is inaccurate or untrue.
  It is important to note that everything that is said by Americans 
today can be characterized around the world to disturb the orderly 
peacefulness and the operations of new governments by countries where 
conflicts exist. It is appropriate that we recognize that the 
importance of our soldiers' safety rises above any potential thought 
that one cannot apologize.
  So I hope that we will accept and recognize this need that the media 
and Newsweek will stand and apologize so that we can begin to rebuild 
and repair the schism that has now been created.
  Telling the truth by media at all times, painful or not, is 
important, and an apology is owed; and I hope that this will occur very 
shortly.

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