The Congressional Black Caucus and Rep. Cynthia McKinney's Statements Regarding World Trade Center And Pentagon Attacks

(Washington, DC) - Today, on behalf of the CBC, Chairwoman Eddie Bernice Johnson released the following statement regarding the September 11, 2001
attacks on America:

"Mr. Speaker, I rise to stand in solidarity with the people of America and to speak out against the senseless, horrendous tragedies of September 11, 2001. It is a day that will live in infamy. There are no words, no pictures, no sentiments that can express the magnitude of the evil that showed itself yesterday. My heart and my thoughts go out to the families of those who were murdered, and to all those affected. The love of the people of this great country embraces the spirit of those heroes who gave their lives trying to save others. Those glorious Americans, who worked at the World Trade Center and the Pentagon, members of the Police and Fire Departments and EMS, represent the best of America. We should all be humbled by their sacrifices.

"I would like to pay a special tribute to the American Airlines family. They are unique contributors to Dallas-Fort Worth. They are unique contributors to America. They are a part of all of our lives. They are a part of our souls. We honor the lives they lived as Americans.

"Let it be known, that the United States Congress will stop at nothing, and at no time, to protect our citizens. Let it be known, that the United States of America will never, ever, cower to terrorists and never give up our way of life. Let it be known that Americans may disagree as Americans, but we are all one American family. Most importantly, let it be known that we will, we will, we will bring those responsible for the horrors of terrorism to complete justice. Our flags are at half-mast, but our heads are high as Americans. America is a great nation, and our freedom will ring loudly forever."

Statement From Rep. Cynthia McKinney

Mr. Speaker:

We stand here today, mere miles away from a tragedy that shook our nation and left many shocked and angered by an act of unprecedented brutality on America's shores.

As we emerge from the incomprehensible darkness into the light of this day let us concentrate first, our prayer and mourning, our sadness and our sorrow, for the victims of this unimaginable horror and then second send our prayers, support, and heartfelt thanks to the courageous police, firefighters, and medical staff who have made great sacrifices, and in some cases given their lives, to care for the injured and take care of our dead.

And in our search for understanding and truth, we should remember that now, especially, at this time of need, it is truly our reliance on a higher power that will see us through.

And so, as we pray to our God, let us not forget that real security and real peace come through justice.

That fear and prejudice divert us from our true and righteous cause.

That we are a country that stands for the rule of law.

The perpetrators of this crime can and will be dealt with. We must be careful not to rush to judgment and must ensure that when we strike back we deliver a blow against those truly responsible for these terrible crimes. President Bush and Secretary of State Colin Powell have steered us on a prudent course. Now is the time for us to trust their leadership.

Father Coughlin reminded us this morning of the guidance that is available to us from God. He reminded us to build this and every day on a foundation of justice; and to mourn our dead with acts of compassion.

My prayer for America today is that we heed Father Coughlin's call, that all

of us Americans will soon join together and rededicate ourselves to the fight to defeat racism and to further justice at home and abroad, with an unbounded commitment to freedom, justice, peace, and security for all.

Thursday, September 13, 2001

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