Congressional candidates talk about 9/11
Syracuse Post-Standard
Mike McAndrew
September 11th, 2008
Political Notebook
Congressional candidate Howie Hawkins said today that Congress should authorize or conduct a "new, truly independent" investigation of terrorist attacks of Sept. 11, 2001.
The 25th Congressional District Green Populist Party candidate used the anniversary of the attacks to renew his call for an immediate withdrawal of U.S. military forces from Iraq and Afghanistan.
Meanwhile, Republican candidate Dale Sweetland and Democratic candidate Dan Maffei, who are also seeking to succeed retiring Rep. James Walsh, R-Onondaga, issued statements today honoring the Americans killed in the 9/11 attacks and praying for their families.
Walsh also issued a statement on the anniversary.
Dan Maffei:
"Today, we will put aside any partisan divides and come together to honor the memory of the devastating tragedy that occurred exactly seven years ago, on September 11th, 2001. While we're in the middle of a heated political season, it is so important that we pause and recall what unites us, not what divides us. The profound sense of loss, the shock that seemed like it would last forever, and then the rallying and the unity that emerged from the ashes is was something all Americans felt.
"Today we unite in our love of country and to honor the memory of those who lost their lives in Shanksville, Pennsylvania, Washington, D.C, and New York, New York. And we pray for the families who lost loved ones on that fateful day, and for the troops who are now serving abroad to protect this country."
Dale Sweetland:
"Seven years ago today our country was changed forever. The world was changed forever. With the actions of an inhuman monster, the lives of thousands of people were lost. While New York City, Pennsylvania and Washington DC suffered the physical losses, our whole country suffered emotionally along with them. In all this tragedy, we also witnessed heroism beyond imagination for the love of our fellow countrymen.
"Now we look back, seven years later, a little more mature and a little more skeptical about the world as a whole. We recognize that there are forces that still seek to do us harm and will stop at nothing to achieve that goal. We've all made changes in our lives to make this country a safer place, while also maintaining the integrity of the freedoms that our country stands for.
"Sometimes I think people forget, if not about the tragedy, at least about how they felt on this day seven years ago. There were so many questions about our security, our future and how we would go on after such a horrific catastrophe. At the same time, we were all so emboldened with feelings of patriotism and brotherhood for our fellow Americans.
"Today is an important time to remember those feelings and how they've shaped our lives. It's an important time to remember the heroes that were lost and those that continue to risk their lives in the military, fire and police departments everyday. My thoughts and prayers go out to the families and friends of those that were lost on September 11th, 2001 and to those heroes who continue to serve our country today. May God bless all of you and God bless America."
Howie Hawkins:
"International cooperation by police, intelligence, and special forces is the best way to bring the Al Qaeda terrorists to justice. The military occupations of Iraq and Afghanistan only serve to recruit terrorists to Al Qaeda. It is time for Congress to cut off funding for the Iraq and Afghanistan wars and instruct the President to focus on police action against Al Qaeda.
"Congress should also conduct a new, independent investigation into what actually happened on 9-11 and why. Instead of police action against the criminals responsible for 9-11, Congress supported the President in using the 9-11 attacks as an excuse to launch a US military occupation of the entire Middle East and Central Asia for oil, gas, and military bases, as well as lucrative contracts for the military-industrial complex. This military aggression has been utterly counterproductive as a counterterrorism policy. It is time to bring out into the light what actually happened on 9-11 and how it was used by the political establishment to rationalize wars of aggression."
Jim Walsh:
"Today we pause to remember the senseless loss of human life that resulted from the hatred and evil exhibited seven years ago this morning. We honor those innocent Americans who were killed and those loved ones they left behind.
"There are two very distinct memories that I retain from that day.
"The first is watching the second World Trade Center building being struck at about the same time I looked out of my office across the Potomac and saw smoke billowing out of the Pentagon and realizing that we were under attack.
"The second was the collective desire of Members of Congress wanting to get back to work to show the American public that this attack changed nothing. And meeting with all House members and Senators on the steps of the Capitol - sort of ad hoc - and singing God Bless America. I still get goose bumps.
"May we use this day to memorialize the goodness, the unity, and the collective acts of selflessness that resulted in response to these terrorist attacks.
"May we remember the lessons learned from this tragedy and draw upon that strength.
And once the political debate surrounding this November's federal elections conclude, may we as a nation join together for the common good to ensure the United States remains the greatest, the safest, and the freest society on the face of the earth."
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