[Congressional Record Volume 167, Number 37 (Friday, February 26, 2021)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E175]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]





                         LIMITATIONS OF FREEDOM

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. JOE WILSON

                           of south carolina

                    in the house of representatives

                       Friday, February 26, 2021

  Mr. WILSON of South Carolina. Madam Speaker, I have twice in my life 
been denied passage at a wall or fence with both times being a 
limitation of freedom.
  On June 12, 1990, I was denied passage in Berlin at the Brandenburg 
Gate by an East German Communist guard directing me to Checkpoint 
Charlie at the junction of Friedrichstrabe.
  On February 25, 2021, I was denied passage in Washington at 2nd and C 
Street, which I have walked for 20 years, at a locked 12-foot fence 
topped with razor wire until a courageous Capitol Police Officer 
arrived to unlock the gate for me to be released from Capitol Hill 
confinement.
  I appreciate the efforts of District of Columbia Delegate Eleanor 
Holmes Norton to prevent permanent fencing surrounding Capitol Hill, 
which isolates legislators from constituents.
  Unobtrusive security can be implemented and installed without abusing 
National Guard personnel who are dedicated in their service. As a 31-
year Guard veteran and grateful Guard Dad of three members, I know 
firsthand of Guard commitment.
  In conclusion, God Bless our Troops and we will never forget 
September 11th in the Global War on Terrorism.

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