Watson Coleman: “I thought this was an important maiden speech. This was the first of the speeches of the new Senators of the 108th, and…”

“I thought this was an important maiden speech. This was the first of the speeches of the new Senators of the 108th, and I think it was the right speech. We are going to discuss a lot of issues in these very challenging times--a time when we are on the edge of war, a time in which the values we hold so dear are challenged by terrorists, are challenged by oppression, and challenged by hate. We live in a time of great uncertainty about the economy, about jobs, with moms and dads who worry about their economic futures. So we are going to debate a lot of issues. We are worried about the future of health care and the future of prescription drugs for seniors. We are worried about baby boomers who are going to get old--and do we have a national policy dealing with long-term care? But at the core of all that we debate is this very fundamental concept that the Senator from Tennessee has raised; that is, What does it mean to be an American? What does it mean to celebrate freedom, to celebrate opportunity, and to be an optimist and have a hopeful spirit?”