Political Quotes

“along with the rest of the world, I stood in shock and silence on April 19, 1995, as I watched the TV news accounts of the bombing of the Alfred P. Murrah Federal Building in Oklahoma City. My thoughts went immediately to the people who worked inside the building. I wanted to believe that maybe the building was empty or maybe the children in the daycare center were at a city park far away. But seeing the destruction, I knew of the carnage that would be. The building was filled with people, and 168 innocent victims lost their lives. Then, just as we were trying to grasp the tragedy before us, we were forced to face the realization that this horrendous act was carried out by an American and the victims selected solely because they worked for the Federal Government. Mr. Speaker, my thoughts were then and continue to be with the families and friends of those killed or wounded in the blast. To lose a loved one under any circumstances is painful, but to have it happen through such a random and cowardly act must be almost unbearable. It is, therefore, extremely appropriate that a memorial be established at the scene of the attack and supported by the Federal Government. I agree with the recommended themes developed by the Memorial Task Force, which spent a year talking and listening to people about a fitting memorial site. As recommended, this site should be a place of remembrance of both victims and survivors as individuals.”