[Congressional Record Volume 157, Number 147 (Tuesday, October 4, 2011)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1761]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                 ADMONISHING ANTI-DEMOCRATIC STATEMENTS

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                           HON. STEVAN PEARCE

                             of new mexico

                    in the house of representatives

                        Tuesday, October 4, 2011

  Mr. PEARCE. Mr. Speaker, at a constituent event in Inglewood, 
California, on August 21, 2011, the Congresswoman who represents that 
area made several shocking and egregious statements that slander the 
good work a dedicated group of Americans are trying to achieve for our 
country. Perhaps most disturbing was her statement that, ``As far as 
I'm concerned the Tea Party can go straight to hell. And . . . and, I 
intend to help them get there.'' These words do nothing to unite 
Americans and only fan the flames that incite division. Earlier in 
August, following the highly charged debt limit discussions, with words 
worsening the political divide, the Vice President declared that the 
Tea Party had ``acted like terrorists.'' These attacks are an assault 
on democracy. Any action which ignores deep-seated concerns, or 
attempts to extinguish the voices of millions of Americans damages the 
democratic process. The Tea Party is united in common concern for the 
future and the well-being of generations to come. They are not, as one 
Congressman from Pennsylvania described, a ``small group of 
terrorists.'' These are people who care deeply about the path our 
country is on and are working through the issues. They are present at 
parades, marches and rallies. They are gathering in meeting halls, 
restaurants, and family rooms to discuss their goals for our nation's 
future. Words that dismiss the Tea Party's shared belief that 
government can do better by the people of this country only further 
divide us. We have only our voices to change the hearts and minds of 
elected officials. Those of us entrusted by the people to support and 
defend the Constitution of the United States must never work to 
extinguish the light of democracy or the avenue of free speech. To 
limit the excitement and drive of a united group grows dejection; a 
certain foe of democracy. It casts a web of doubt over the activities 
of the Congress and threatens to harm the creation of good public 
policy. I will defend the right of any man, woman, or child to speak 
their truth and share their concerns. Just as all Americans regardless 
of race or gender, creed or religion, ideals or personal conviction, 
Tea Party members deserve to have their voices heard.

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