Ron Paul Quotes.com 2001 Ron Paul Chapter 78 Statement on the New York City and Washington, DC Terrorist Attacks September 12, 2001 Home Page   Contents   Cached from Ron Paul’s Congressional website. Congressional Record (Page H5511)   Cached

2001 Ron Paul 78:1 Yesterday, Americans were awakened to find ourselves in a war, attacked by barbarians who targeted innocent civilians. This despicable act reveals how deep-seated is the hatred that has driven this war. 2001 Ron Paul 78:2 Though many Americans have just become aware of how deeply we are involved in this war, it has been going on for decades. We are obviously seen by the terrorists as an enemy. 2001 Ron Paul 78:3 In war there is no more reprehensible act than for combatants to slaughter innocent civilian bystanders. This is what happened yesterday. 2001 Ron Paul 78:4 If there is such a thing, a moral war is one that is only pursued in self-defense. Those who initiate aggression against others for the purpose of occupation or merely to invoke death and destruction are unforgivable and serve only to spread wanton killing. 2001 Ron Paul 78:5 In our grief, we must remember our responsibilities. The Congress’ foremost obligation in a constitutional republic is to preserve freedom and provide for national security. Yesterday our efforts to protect our homeland came up short. Our policies that led to that shortcoming must be reevaluated and changed if found to be deficient. 2001 Ron Paul 78:6 When we retaliate for this horror we have suffered, we must be certain that only the guilty be punished. More killing of innocent civilians will only serve to flame the fires of war and further jeopardize our security. Congress should consider its constitutional authority to grant letters of marque and reprisal to meet our responsibility. 2001 Ron Paul 78:7 Demanding domestic security in times of war invites carelessness in preserving civil liberties and the right of privacy. Frequently the people are only too anxious for their freedoms to be sacrificed on the altar of authoritarianism thought to be necessary to remain safe and secure. Nothing would please the terrorists more than if we willingly give up some of our cherished liberties while defending ourselves from their threat. 2001 Ron Paul 78:8 It is our job to wisely choose our policies and work hard to understand the root causes of the war in which we find ourselves. 2001 Ron Paul 78:9 We must all pray for peace and ask for God’s guidance for our President, our congressional leaders, and all America- and for the wisdom and determination required to resolve this devastating crisis. This chapter appeared in Ron Paul’s Congressional website at http://www.house.gov/paul/congrec/congrec2001/cr091201.htm

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