Congressional Update
A Note from
Congressman
Pete Stark
October 2001
Dear Friends:
September 11, 2001 changed a way of life for all of us. Terrorist acts on US soil shattered not only individual lives, but also the illusion that we were out of harm's way. Regaining not just our national safety, but also our individual freedom from fear should be our top priority.
Since that difficult day, our nation has embarked on an important mission to combat terrorism. Our government is working hard to track down those responsible for this terrorist act and the Congress has worked together to provide the President the support he needs to carry out this campaign.
Even as we face new challenges in the aftermath of this terrorism, we must not neglect the other important priorities of our nation. Keeping our country safe and strong requires more than just increased military spending. It requires improving the education of our children, taking care of our seniors, providing health care for the uninsured, and sheltering the poor. Education, health care, and Social Security are critical components of our national infrastructure; we must work just as hard to strengthen and support these programs as we do to strengthen our military while responding to this threat.
As we mourn this terrible loss of life and are understandably outraged by the attack on our soil, we must not vent our anger on our neighbors. Individuals of Arab, Indian, Pakistani, Afghan, Muslim or Sikh heritage share our grief and are also hurting from this tragedy.
During these uncertain times there is so much before us to consider. I'd like to hear your thoughts at my upcoming town meetings on October 27, 2001. The times and locations are posted on the back of this letter. Please join me.
Sincerely,
Member of Congress
