[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 147 (2001), Part 12]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 17194]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]



                            HOW WILL WE ACT!

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                            HON. NICK SMITH

                              of michigan

                    in the house of representatives

                       Friday, September 14, 2001

  Mr. SMITH of Michigan. Mr. Speaker, I would like to share the 
comments of my Chief of Staff, Kurt Schwartz, which reflects the 
feelings of many Americans in reacting to the terrorist attack. ``Will 
we forget? Will the sick, sinking feeling fade? Will we once again fail 
to follow through on fine words and dramatic promises? Or will 
``Remember the Trade Center'' replace ``Remember Pearl Harbor?'' Will 
we act with resolve, or will we do too little?
  As Margaret Thatcher noted at another time of crisis, ``This is no 
time to go wobbly.'' We have implacable enemies. We must deal with them 
implacably. They do not hesitate to spill blood, including their own. 
We must not hesitate to return their wrath. Anything else is futile.
  Democracy is self-absorbed, and can underestimate threats from 
abroad. But it can also rouse itself to righteous anger in crisis. Our 
duty is to direct that anger, give it purpose, use it to defend 
democracy and freedom. Before forgetfulness seeps in.''

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