Political Quotes

“I rise in support of the Freedom Promotion Act. This important legislation is designed to enhance public diplomacy in countries with predominantly Muslim populations. During the 1990's, the United States fought in four military conflicts in support of countries with majority Muslim areas. We liberated Kuwait, saved 250,000 people in Somalia, ended the Bosnia genocide, and halted Milosevic's ethnic cleansing in Kosova. With that record, it is almost inconceivable to me that we need to enhance our nation's image in the Middle East and other areas with large Muslim populations. Nevertheless, for a variety of reasons we do. This bill is an important first step toward telling the world the story of America and the values for which we stand. I particularly support this legislation because it includes my amendment authorizing funding for the promotion of democracy, good governance, the rule of law, independent media, religious tolerance, the rights of women, and strengthening civil society in Middle Eastern states. For too long, America has tolerated Arab dictatorships because of our need for secure oil supplies. September 11th demonstrated that our country needs true friends in the region--democracies which respect the rights of their people--not petty autocracies which trample civil and political rights to perpetuate their rule.”