[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 151 (2005), Part 18]
[House]
[Page 25021]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




                      AMERICANS APPRECIATE FRANCE

  (Mr. WILSON of South Carolina asked and was given permission to 
address the House for 1 minute and to revise and extend his remarks.)
  Mr. WILSON of South Carolina. Mr. Speaker, Americans were saddened 
over the weekend to see rioters spread fire and violence across France 
with nearly 5,000 vehicles burned, stretching into the heart of Paris. 
As a person of French heritage, I am particularly shocked that 34 
police officers are injured, including 10 wounded by gunshots. This 
outburst of violence is a chilling reminder that appeasement is a 
failed course which leads to greater violence.
  I am particularly disappointed France did not show resolve in the 
Cold War as defenders of freedom actively defeated Communism, and I am 
disappointed France has not shown resolve in the global war on 
terrorism, as we resist terrorists from London to Baghdad to Bali. But 
our hearts and our heritage are with France, which we treasure as 
America's first ally. With resolve we can stop extremism at its source; 
peace can be restored.
  In conclusion, God bless our troops, and we will never forget 
September 11.

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