[Congressional Record Volume 157, Number 121 (Friday, August 5, 2011)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1503]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




              OFFERING CONDOLENCES TO THE PEOPLE OF NORWAY

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                        HON. DENNIS J. KUCINICH

                                of ohio

                    in the house of representatives

                         Friday, August 5, 2011

  Mr. KUCINICH. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to extend my deep condolences 
to the people of Norway with respect to the recent tragedy which took 
the lives of innocent citizens, many of them children.
  Prime Minister Jens Stoltenberg has wisely observed that the people 
of Norway are ``unused to violence in your quiet country of 4.8 
million'' and that they ``must struggle with how to improve security 
without jeopardizing the freedom and openness of your society.'' I 
commend his courage and encourage the people of Norway to embrace his 
wisdom.
  While the horror of what has happened can carve a dark hole in the 
hearts of the people of Norway, each person has the power and the 
strength to heal those who have lost their loved ones through their 
individual commitment to remain open to each other. Each citizen can 
choose not to let those who would divide their nation sow their seeds 
of doubt, hate and division.
  As we mourn the loss we ask the people of Norway to remember that 
their country has many admirers. On several occasions during the last 
decade the nation of Norway has been recognized as the best country in 
which to live. This compassionate country built a public health care 
system that cares for all of its citizens. Their nation created an 
education system that sets their literacy rate at almost 100 percent. 
Their understanding of the importance of family provides parental 
benefits and paternity leave for the first full year in the life of a 
newborn child.
  As the citizen's of Norway already demonstrate in their daily 
interactions with each other and in their willingness to build a 
society that truly cares for the well being of all of its citizens; 
openness, compassion and the ability to reach across cultural and 
ethnic lines is essential to build peace and strengthen nations.
  The nation of Norway is a noble one. We know its citizens will stand 
together through this dark hour. We want them to know that we are 
standing with them.

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