ROLL CALL VOTES
There were only 2 roll call votes this week that passed with full support:
H.RES.257 - Supporting the goals and ideals of Pancreatic Cancer Awareness Month.
H.RES.643 - Recognizing September 11 as a day of rememberance, extending sympathies to those who lost their lives on September 11, 2001, and their families, honoring the heroic actions of our nation's first responders and Armed Forces, and reaffirming the commitment to defending the people of the United States against any and all future challenges.
Adrian Smith did not submit or make any floor statements for the record.
SPONSOR/COSPONSOR
Adrian Smith did not sponsor any new bills this week. He added his name to only one resolution as a cosponsor.
H.RES.641 - Acknowledging the importance of understanding the history of the United States of America and recognizing the need to foster civic responsibility in all citizens.
It’s short and sweet:
RESOLUTION
Acknowledging the importance of understanding the history of the United States of America and recognizing the need to foster civic responsibility in all citizens.
Whereas we celebrate the 220th Anniversary of the signing of the Constitution of the United States of America in September 2007;
Whereas historical documents such as the Declaration of Independence, the Constitution of the United States of America, and the Bill of Rights should be the foundations of an education in American history and the guidelines for civic responsibility; and
Whereas every citizen has a duty to family, school, and community to participate as civic leaders and promote the tenets embodied in our founding documents: Now, therefore, be it
Resolved, That the House of Representatives--
(1) acknowledges the importance of understanding the history of the United States of America; and
(2) recognizes the need to foster civic responsibility in all citizens.
The resolution was introduced on 9/7/2007, and Smith added his name on 9/10/2007.
PRESS RELEASES
Smith released a couple statements during this week.
Given that General David Petraeus and Ambassador Ryan Crocker testified before Congress, Smith felt he had to make a statement:
Smith Statement on Petraeus Testimony
“It is important for Congress to give General Petraeus and Ambassador Crocker the respect they deserve. General Petraeus is an intelligent, capable leader – and quite frankly the one person with a clear view of Iraq’s progress at all levels.
“Victory is not going to come easy, but I’m glad to hear General Petraeus discuss improvements in Iraq. The development of a stable, capable Iraqi military is the most important element towards a successful transfer of security responsibility to the Iraqis,” Smith said.
I guess Smith doesn’t consider the fact that military is only one element that has to be stable. Many experts that Smith has discounted, when it doesn’t fit the Bush Policy, have stated that the political aspects must be stabilized or there will never be success. In other words, until you can convince factions that have been at war with each other for over 1000 years to suddenly get along and work together for a stable Iraqi governing body, success will be difficult. The fact is that the military presences keeps everyone worked up, and promotes the recruiting of more and more terrorists. Again, from experts in the government that have been pushed aside.
Anyway, as Smith made that comment, then he came out with another press release:
Smith Issues Statement Commemorating September 11, 2001
Congressman Adrian Smith (R-NE) today released the following statement with regards to the terrorist attacks on September 11, 2001:
“Today we commemorate a dark event which changed our nation forever. The attacks on New York and the Pentagon – and the courage of the passengers of Flight 93 – still strike a chord for Americans and the world.
On that day we learned first hand of the evil in the world, the lengths some will go to destroy freedom, and the ruthlessness of our enemies to use innocent civilians in their efforts to destroy our way of life.
Today is not about politics or partisanship. Instead, we should turn our thoughts to the lives lost that terrible day, and those risking their own lives to preserve our freedom,” Smith said.
One political statement, followed by another saying the day is not about politics. Interesting.
And I hate to break it to Smith, but it wasn’t our “freedom” that the terrorists hated, it was the policies of our government. Agree or disagree with those policies, but that has been made very clear.
The rest of his statement, I think we can all relate to and agree with. That day was a day of horror and revelation. How to deal with it is where the disagreements have come.
4 comments:
Why does Congress need to waste their time acknowledging that we should teach history? Do they think that we are teaching history without including the Constitution, Declaration etc??
As an American history teacher, I resent that Congress apparently thinks we are morons.
Or have they realized that the Patriot Act is a very real sign that THEY didn't learn about those documents so they're protecting future generations from that fate??
If it was about our Government and not the freedom (as you suggest) that so many have died for, then wouldn't it be more about the Clinton Government since the policies that were in place on Sept. 11 were basicly all the policies he had set in place the 8 years before while he was in the White House?
Smith simply can't be taken seriously in these repeats of GOP talking points about the war. Better he stick to something he knows. Motorcycle safety for example.
Or self-storage.
Captain Nathan Brittles
Sorry, Jon, but you're thinking too short term. It's the policies of our government over many decades, under both Republican and Democratic Presidents. It's our relationship with Israel as one of the primary defenders. It's our presence and actions in the Middle East. Supporting the Saudi Royal Family (whom the fundementalists don't support), funding and supporting Saddam Hussein's rise to power. The support of the Shah during the 1970's in Iran, which led to the the rise of the Ayattohla. It can go back to the early 20th Century and our role in establishing the borders of many of the countries in the region (along with the British and other Europeans as well). We even helped fund and train the rise of the Taliban and the influence of Osama Bin Laden through supporting their efforts against the Soviets in Afghanistan. It's all an ongoing cycle.
It has absolutely nothing to do with our "freedoms", and everything to do with the actions of those who have represented us. Some of those actions were completely just. Some have been highly questionable.
However, it is our "freedoms" that they seek to stamp down - but not in the way you think. They use psychological methods - put the fear into Americans, and they will sacrifice their freedoms to feel safe. But the reasons for their hatred have everything to do with our long-standing presence and influence in what they consider their region - The Middle East.
And just so you know - I think the actions of the terrorists are completely wrong and deplorable. But before you can defeat and enemy, you must come to understand the enemy. If you don't, you will continue to make bad decisions. Hence, the ongoing Bush policies that only continue to feed into the recruiting and rise of terrorists around the world (didn't you see the intelligence report a couple months ago that stated that the numbers and strength of Al Qaeda is just as strong now as it was prior to 9/11?). I provide information on all of this on a previous post. You should look it up.
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