On the recordSeptember 20, 2011
I think if I might, Representative Garamendi, that's where I can acknowledge that my district regardless of political persuasion, regardless of philosophy, people have been impacted by those statements. They are just trying to process that sort of thinking that would just call to a grinding halt any response that is going to be sufficient simply because it is ruled by some sort of new restrictive qualities. Well, these are people in pain. These are people who are hurting through no fault of their own. They have been impacted by the forces of Mother Nature. We have seen it, as you have rightfully said, from coast to coast. There have been tragedies out there and disasters and challenges galore through the ages of our history. And we have always responded in that American pioneer sort of way, to be there, roll in the assistance and take care of it. When one amongst us is hurt, everyone feels the pain. So this is really tragic, and it then challenges our bigger picture here. If we can't be responsive in moments like that, how do you convince some in the House that the urgency to invest in an innovation economy, to invest in a global race on clean energy and innovation, how do you encourage them to understand the urgency for that moment, because if we are just living for the moment and not looking forward, if we don't have the vision as is suggested, we shall perish. That is just what we need right now.…
