Sen. Patty Murray’s “Statement on America’s Role in the World (For Immediate Release: December 20, 2002):
- Osama Bin Laden is an evil terrorist who is responsible for the deaths of thousands of Americans. Bringing him to justice, dismantling his terrorist network, and protecting our nation from further attacks must continue to be our government’s highest priorities, and I continue to vigorously support those efforts in the Senate.
While we continue to search every corner of the globe to destroy Osama bin Laden and his al Quaeda network, should we also consider the longer-term issue of what else can be done to improve relations with all nations including the Arab world?
How else can we bring America’s values to those who do not understand us?
And while there are some whose hearts and minds may never be won, should we try to reach those who can?
The White House believes that we can do more, and has devoted an entire department to improving America’s image in the Arab world.
Having a challenging and thoughtful discussion about America’s future reflects the best values of a free democracy; to sensationalize and distort in an attempt to divide does not.
While there are some on the extreme fringes of society who try to exploit fear and uncertainty for political gain, there are many more who understand that the best value of our democracy is the freedom to think and to secure a better future.
