Political Quotes

“this week two members of the Vermont National Guard returned home from the winter Olympics in Lillehammer, Norway. Laurie Tavares and David Jareckie may not be household names like Bonnie Blair and Dan Jansen but they are champions in their own right. Both competed with a select group of athletes in one of the most difficult sports in the Olympics: the biathlon. I can count on one hand the number of minutes CBS dedicated to biathlon coverage. Few Americans know much about the biathlon, let alone that it is one of the most mentally and physically demanding sports at the Olympic games. Biathletes must be able to compete in a grueling cross-country ski race while stopping intermittently to test their marksmanship on a shooting range. As a former member of the St. Michael's College Rifle Team, I recognize the skill and patience it takes to get off a clean shot. It takes a special athlete to stop and shoot accurately during a cross-country ski race. Laurie Tavares was nothing short of remarkable in Lillehammer. She was a member of the women's biathlon relay team that finished eighth-- the highest ever for a U.S. women's relay. Laurie also finished 32d in the 15-kilometer race. I would also like to take a moment to commend David Jareckie who made his second appearance at the Olympics. I am proud that both members of the Vermont National Guard represented our country in Norway.”