[Congressional Record Volume 152, Number 135 (Friday, December 8, 2006)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E2223]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                    AMBASSADOR JEANE J. KIRKPATRICK

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. PATRICK J. TIBERI

                                of ohio

                    in the house of representatives

                        Friday, December 8, 2006

  Mr. TIBERI. Mr. Speaker, I join those who mourn the death of former 
United Nations Ambassador Jeane J. Kirkpatrick. Ambassador Kirkpatrick 
was a great American patriot and champion of liberty for those living 
under Communist or other totalitarian regimes.
  Like President Reagan, who appointed her to the U.N. post, Ambassador 
Kirkpatrick was an American original. She became a Republican when she 
found that the Democratic Party no longer reflected her values, just as 
Reagan did. She was Reagan's first female cabinet level appointee, and 
was his point person at the U.N., where she was a brilliant advocate 
for her country's interests.
  If Ambassador Kirkpatrick did not originate the phrase ``Blame 
America First,'' she certainly brought it to the attention of the 
American people with her use of the words in defending President 
Reagan's foreign policy at the 1984 Republican convention. She pointed 
out that Democrats and other critics were quick to place the 
responsibility for all the world's problems at the feet of their own 
county. Somehow, Ambassador Kirkpatrick said, they always blame America 
first. Unfortunately, those words too often still apply today.
  Ambassador Kirkpatrick deserves a large share of the credit for 
helping the U.S. win the Cold War. Her efforts brought freedom to many 
around the globe who otherwise may not have been able to enjoy it. She 
remained a passionate spokesperson for her country's interests until 
her death. Her voice has been silenced now, and it will be missed.

                          ____________________