[Congressional Record Volume 153, Number 97 (Friday, June 15, 2007)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1306]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                           A MAN OF PRINCIPLE

                                 ______
                                 

                             HON. RON PAUL

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                         Friday, June 15, 2007

  Mr. PAUL. Madam Speaker, I rise to enter into the Congressional 
Record a letter to the editor of the Carteret County News-Times by 
General John Batiste titled, ``A Man of Principle.'' General Batiste 
commanded the 1st Infantry Division in Iraq and in this letter he 
rightfully praises one of the most courageous Members of Congress, my 
friend Rep. Walter Jones of North Carolina. Rep. Jones, correctly 
observes General Batiste, is a man of principle and well understands 
the dilemma we face in Iraq. It is very encouraging for me to read the 
words of the highly experienced General Batiste affirming the 
correctness of Congressman Jones' position on Iraq, because I share 
Rep. Jones views about this very difficult situation we find ourselves. 
I also salute Rep. Jones for his courage and his determination to seek 
the truth.

          [From the Carteret County News-Times, May 25, 2007]

                           A Man of Principle


                                              Rochester, N.Y.,

                                                      May 22, 2007
       To the Editor: Congressman Walter Jones of North Carolina's 
     3rd District deserves our unqualified support. He is a man of 
     principle and well understands the dilemma we face in Iraq to 
     include the fatally flawed strategy that took us to war in 
     March 2003; the failure to modify the same strategy over 
     time; the administration's continued reliance on the military 
     without the necessary diplomatic, political, and economic 
     components fundamental to a successful strategy; the 
     administration's failure to mobilize the nation to deal with 
     global Islamic extremism; and the dire straights our great 
     soldiers and Marines find themselves in today.
       Indeed, our Army and Marine Corps, the best fighting 
     formations our country has ever fielded, are at a breaking 
     point with little to show for it because of the reckless 
     behavior of the current administration.
       Walter Jones gets it. He personifies patriotism. He 
     understands the American way of war.
       I base this judgment on personal experience, a 31-year 
     career in the Army, two combat tours in Iraq, many years of 
     service in Balkans peace enforcement in both Bosnia and 
     Kosovo and service in the Pentagon before, during and after 
     Sept. 11th, 2001. I am a lifelong Republican. I respect 
     Walter Jones for his moral courage and resolve to get things 
     right.
       I met Congressman Jones in his office in the Rayburn Office 
     Building some eight months ago. I was impressed then with his 
     grasp of the situation in Iraq and his unqualified love of 
     country and support for our military. Indeed, for the last 
     five years, he is one of only several congressional 
     Republicans who have embraced their constitutional 
     responsibilities to overwatch and hold accountable our 
     executive branch of government. He asks the tough questions 
     and never backs down. The vast majority of our party has long 
     since abrogated this incredibly important aspect of their 
     duty. He well represents his constituents and the best 
     interests of both our country and our military. As President 
     Gerald Ford once said, ``Truth is the glue that holds our 
     government together.'' Since our first meeting eight months 
     ago, my respect of Walter Jones has multiplied tenfold.
       People often ask me to describe how they can help get the 
     country back on track. The answer almost invariably boils 
     down to exercising the right to vote and casting one's vote 
     for the candidate who understands the issues and has the 
     moral courage to do the right thing. I have now expanded that 
     answer to elect more public servants like Congressman Walter 
     Jones of North Carolina. Our nation desperately needs members 
     of Congress with his character, commitment, and resolve. I 
     salute Walter Jones as a man of principle with the courage of 
     his convictions.
                                                     John Batiste,
     Maj. Gen. USA (Ret.)

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