Political Quotes

“Mr. Speaker, the massive wildfires burning out of control in Arizona today are on the front pages of newspapers all across America reminding people in other parts of the country of the enormous threat these dangerous fires pose to both lives and property. Westerners, however, need no such reminders because we live with the destructive power of wildfires year in and year out. At this time each summer, as the fire season gets under way, thousands of men and women strap on their gear and head out to fire lines seeking to contain one of the most destructive natural forces known to man. Fighting wildfires is dirty, dangerous, and, at times, terrifying work. Those who do it face risks most of us can hardly imagine. They do so knowing that with first-rate training, equipment, and leadership, their efforts will help protect the lives and property of those caught in the path of raging wildfires. Often, firefighters are injured in the line of duty. Sometimes, tragically, lives are lost on the fire line. In some cases, the cause is beyond anyone's control, other times mistakes are made. And mistakes will inevitably be made in these situations, which are so extraordinarily challenging to both the mind and the body. Each time tragedy strikes in this way, it is only natural to seek to understand precisely what happened and why.”