[Congressional Record Volume 155, Number 86 (Wednesday, June 10, 2009)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1370]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




             CONDEMNING THE MURDER OF STEPHEN TYRONE JOHNS

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                         HON. MICHELE BACHMANN

                              of minnesota

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, June 10, 2009

  Mrs. BACHMANN. Madam Speaker, I rise to share in the nation's shock, 
outrage, and sorrow at the tragic shooting today at the U.S. Holocaust 
Museum here in Washington. My heart and prayers go out to the family of 
the young security guard, Stephen Tyrone Johns, who was killed in this 
senseless crime.
  Senator Frank Lautenberg, who serves on the board for the museum, 
noted the irony that this hateful act took place in this beautiful, 
peaceful place; a sort of thoughtful sanctuary dedicated to ensuring 
that the evil of the holocaust never again gains a foothold on this 
earth. How right he is. How many times must this museum serve to teach 
the world about the horrible power of hate?
  Earlier this week, this body considered two resolutions, one 
condemning the killing of Dr. George Tiller and one condemning the 
killing of Army Private William Long and the wounding of Army Private 
Quinton Ezeagwula. Like today's killing, these acts were simply 
reprehensible. The taking of innocent life cannot be justified.
  Our society has traveled down a road that should never have been 
trodden. Human life has been devalued. Violence has been glorified. The 
gift of living has lost its meaning. In accepting his Nobel Prize, Dr. 
Martin Luther King said, ``Man must evolve for all human conflict a 
method which rejects revenge, aggression and retaliation. The 
foundation of such a method is love.'' As a people, we must promote 
life, we must celebrate this miracle. And, as a Congress, we must lead 
the way with laws that protect all, particularly the most vulnerable 
amongst us, and that encourage loving, life-affirming ways.

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