E1886 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — Extensions of Remarks October 11, 2004 Yet we have not had a national debate on During this week, there will be a more visi- state government; Ph.D.’s in the sciences and the draft and we certainly did not have that ble push in the communities to get the infor- liberal arts; college professors; school teach- debate this week. H.R. 163 was not marked mation out about mental illness. There will be ers, successful entrepreneurs, attorneys; and up or voted on by any committee here in the booths set up and mental health fairs across many more who had distinguished them- House. This bill was added to the suspension our country as a way to reach out to more selves. The banquet speaker, Roberta Wright, calendar of the House reserved for non- people. I commend the efforts of organizations symbolized their success. She finished Jeffer- controversial items. And yet it is quite con- and individuals who not only during this week son and went on to become a Phi Beta Kappa troversial. but throughout the year work to help others graduate of Fisk University and the University Mr. Speaker, the war in Iraq—combined identify and treat their mental illness. of Michigan School of Law. She made a stir- with other worldwide deployments in Afghani- Unfortunately, their hard work is somewhat ring speech, challenging everyone to do more stan, Korea, and over 140 other countries— stifled when there is not equal health care for for the common good. has put an enormous strain on our active duty mental illness or every person needing psy- With the onset of integration in the early and reserve soldiers. We have seen under- chiatric care does not have access to a psy- 1970s, Jefferson High School came to an end. paid, ill-equipped, and overextended American chiatrist of their choice. With one in four adults But the three-day reunion made clear that Jef- troops fighting in Iraq. More than two-thirds of suffering from a mental illness or substance ferson lives on in the lives it made better. New Jersey’s National Guard will be activated use disorder in any year, it is likely that every Hundreds of the alumni attending attested to this year. There are hard questions that need family will feel this impact. Yet, most health better, more productive lives because of what to be answered about how we can continue plans discriminate by providing less care for they learned at Jefferson under teachers who this war, at this pace. We do need to review mental illness, and by requiring patients and cared, encouraged, and challenged. our commitments overseas and asses our their families to pay more out-of-pocket costs. ability to meet them. This bill shows that a Na- Mr. Speaker, Congress needs to correct this f tional debate on these issues is greatly need- disparity. Our constituents should not be pe- ed. This week, we did not have that debate. nalized because they have a mental illness IN RECOGNITION OF ADMIRAL The House leaders simply tried to make a po- compared to a physical illness. We should en- THOMAS H. MOORER litical point, but I hope that this has sown the sure that the mental health system provide a seeds of the discussion. The nation’s military more individualized and holistic approach to HON. JOHN CONYERS, JR. leaders are nearly unanimous in saying that care without shame or inequity in coverage. OF MICHIGAN the military can meet its needs better without Mental illness is like most physical illnesses; IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES a draft. None of us here in the House today the patient is in need of treatment, support Thursday, October 7, 2004 would be eligible under a potential draft. We and rehabilitation. are too old. And I would like to see this debate f Mr. CONYERS. Mr. Speaker, on February 5 with the input of the young people who are af- of this year, a legendary American naval hero fected by it. I feel strongly that we should all JEFFERSON HIGH SCHOOL passed away in Bethesda, Maryland. Admiral go back to our districts and continue this dis- REUNION, YORK, SOUTH CAROLINA Thomas H. Moorer epitomized the finest quali- cussion—but with those who it will be affected ties of dedication and national service. His dis- by it. HON. JOHN M. SPRATT, JR. tinguished naval career spanned 41 years, in- I do not believe that an active military draft OF SOUTH CAROLINA cluding service as a naval aviator, as one of system is currently necessary or advisable. IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES the first pilots off the ground during the attack More important, the generals and admirals do Thursday, October 7, 2004 on Pearl Harbor, as a decorated hero of nu- not believe that a draft is necessary or advis- merous combat missions in the Southwest Pa- able. I have co-sponsored legislation intro- Mr. SPRATT. Mr. Speaker, on the weekend cific and the Battle of Midway, as Commander duced by Representative ELLEN TAUSCHER to before Labor Day, some four hundred alumni in Chief of the Pacific Fleet, as commander of meet military manpower needs by temporarily of Jefferson High School gathered for their NATO’s U.S. Atlantic Command and the U.S. increasing by 8 percent the end-strength num- first reunion since Jefferson closed more than Atlantic Fleet, becoming the only officer in the bers of our all-volunteer armed forces during thirty years ago. Navy’s history to command both our Atlantic the next five years and increasing enlistees’ Jefferson got its start in a frame school and Pacific Fleets, as Chief of Naval Oper- pay and benefits accordingly (H.R. 3696). This house built for African-American students next ations, as Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of alternative approach would increase the volun- to Wesley United Methodist Church on West Staff, and as a tireless advocate for American teer numbers of active duty-soldiers gradually Jefferson Street in York, South Carolina. From veterans. Admiral Moorer was instrumental in over the next five years, thus enabling mem- there, Jefferson graduated to a Rosenwald establishing the United States Navy Memorial bers of the National Guard and Reserve to ro- school and became the African-American pub- on Pennsylvania Avenue. In numerous ap- tate out or transition voluntarily into active duty lic school in a racially segregated system Al- pearances before Congressional Committees, slots with better benefits and equipment. though the system was called ‘‘separate but Admiral Moorer provided valuable testimony Mr. Speaker, I have heard from many moms equal,’’ Jefferson never had facilities or teach- on a variety of national security concerns. and dads, and I have heard from many stu- ing materials equal to its counterparts, the Capping this extraordinary career, Admiral dents from all across my district who are dis- white schools that I attended. Used books Moorer made his final appearance on Capitol turbed by the idea of renewing the draft and were passed on from white students, dated Hill on October 22, 2003, as Chairman of the I agree with them. We do not need to return and worn. The school district built a new high to the draft system. Independent Commission of Inquiry into the school for white students in 1950, but left 1967 attack on the USS Liberty. It is a privi- f black students to make the best of their old lege for me to introduce the Findings of the MENTAL ILLNESS AWARENESS one. The students, teachers, and administra- Independent Commission of Inquiry Into the WEEK tors at Jefferson did just that. They made the Israeli Attack on the USS Liberty into the CON- most of their circumstances. The students who GRESSIONAL RECORD. came back for this Reunion did not dwell on HON. DANNY K. DAVIS FINDINGS OF THE INDEPENDENT COMMISSION OF what they lacked at Jefferson High School. OF ILLINOIS INQUIRY INTO THE ISRAELI ATTACK ON THE They saluted teachers who took a personal in- IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES USS ‘‘LIBERTY,’’ THE RECALL OF MILITARY terest, believed in them, and encouraged them RESCUE SUPPORT AIRCRAFT WHILE THE SHIP Thursday, October 7, 2004 to excel. They recalled their formidable teams WAS UNDER ATTACK, AND THE SUBSEQUENT Mr. DAVIS of Illinois. Mr. Speaker, October in football and basketball and the musical tal- COVER-UPBYTHEUNITED STATES GOVERN- 3–9 is Mental Illness Awareness Week. During ent they produced. They recognized the val- MENT any one-year period, up to 50 million Ameri- ues instilled in them for a lifetime. We, the undersigned, having undertaken an cans—more than 22 percent—suffer from a When the alumni sat down for a banquet independent investigation of Israel’s attack clearly diagnosable mental disorder involving a the last night of their reunion, the pride they on the USS Liberty, including eyewitness tes- timony from surviving crewmembers, a re- degree of incapacity that interferes with em- felt at being ‘‘Jeffersonians’’ was easily felt view of naval and other official records, an ployment, attendance at school or daily life. and well-founded. Among the four hundred at- examination of official statements by the Like so many disorders, mental illness does tending the dinner, there were graduates who Israeli and American governments, a study not discriminate and affects every age, ethnic, had risen to the highest levels of the Civil of the conclusions of all previous official in- and socioeconomic group. Service and become department heads in quiries, and a consideration of important

VerDate Aug 04 2004 02:50 Oct 13, 2004 Jkt 039060 PO 00000 Frm 00020 Fmt 0626 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A09OC8.156 E11PT1 October 11, 2004 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — Extensions of Remarks E1887 new evidence and recent statements from in- Merlin Staring, USN (Ret.), former Judge gathered a vast amount of evidence, includ- dividuals having direct knowledge of the at- Advocate General of the Navy; and Captain ing hours of heartbreaking testimony from tack or the cover up, hereby find the fol- Ward Boston, USN, (Ret.), the chief counsel the young survivors. lowing: to the Navy’s 1967 Court of Inquiry of the The evidence was clear. Both Admiral Kidd 1. That on June 8, 1967, after eight hours of Liberty attack; and I believed with certainty that this at- aerial surveillance, Israel launched a two- 11. That the truth about Israel’s attack tack, which killed 34 American sailors and hour air and naval attack against the USS and subsequent White House cover-up con- injured 172 others, was a deliberate effort to Liberty, the world’s most sophisticated intel- tinues to be officially concealed from the sink an American ship and murder its entire ligence ship, inflicting 34 dead and 172 American people to the present day and is a crew. I am certain that the Israeli pilots wounded American servicemen (a casualty national disgrace; that undertook the attack, as well as their rate of seventy percent, in a crew of 294); 12. That a danger to our national security superiors who had ordered the attack, were 2. That the Israeli air attack lasted ap- exists whenever our elected officials are will- aware that the ship was American. proximately 25 minutes, during which time ing to subordinate American interests to I saw the flag, which had visibly identified unmarked Israeli aircraft dropped napalm those of any foreign nation, and specifically the ship as American, riddled with bullet canisters on the Liberty’s bridge, and fired are unwilling to challenge Israel’s interests holes, and heard testimony that made it 30mm cannons and rockets into our ship, when they conflict with American interests; clear that the Israelis intended there be no causing 821 holes, more than 100 of which this policy, evidenced by the failure to de- survivors. Not only did the Israelis attack were rocket-size; survivors estimate 30 or fend the USS Liberty and the subsequent offi- the ship with napalm, gunfire, and missiles, more sorties were flown over the ship by a cial cover-up of the Israeli attack, endangers Israeli torpedo boats machine-gunned three minimum of 12 attacking Israeli planes the safety of Americans and the security of lifeboats that had been launched in an at- which were jamming all five American emer- the United States. tempt by the crew to save the most seriously gency radio channels; Whereupon, we, the undersigned, in order wounded—a war crime. 3. That the torpedo boat attack involved to fulfill our duty to the brave crew of the I am outraged at the efforts of the apolo- not only the firing of torpedoes, but the ma- USS Liberty and to all Americans who are gists for Israel in this country to claim that chine-gunning of the Liberty’s firefighters asked to serve in our Armed Forces, hereby this attack was a case of ‘‘mistaken iden- and stretcher-bearers as they struggled to call upon the Department of the Navy, the tity.’’ In particular, the recent publication of save their ship and crew; the Israeli torpedo Congress of the United States and the Amer- Jay Cristol’s book, The Liberty Incident, boats later returned to machine-gun at close ican people to immediately take the fol- twists the facts and misrepresents the views range three of the Liberty’s life rafts that lowing actions: of those of us who investigated the attack. It had been lowered into the water by survivors First, That a new Court of Inquiry be con- is Cristol’s insidious attempt to whitewash to rescue the most seriously wounded; vened by the Department of the Navy, oper- the facts that has pushed me to speak out. 4. That there is compelling evidence that ating with Congressional oversight, to take I know from personal conversations I had Israel’s attack was a deliberate attempt to public testimony from surviving crew- with Admiral Kidd that President Lyndon destroy an American ship and kill her entire members; and to thoroughly investigate the Johnson and Secretary of Defense Robert crew; evidence of such intent is supported by circumstances of the attack on the USS Lib- McNamara ordered him to conclude that the statements from Secretary of State Dean erty, with full cooperation from the National attack was a case of ‘‘mistaken identity’’ de- Rusk, Undersecretary of State George Ball, Security Agency, the Central Intelligence spite overwhelming evidence to the contrary. former CIA director Richard Helms, former Agency and the military intelligence serv- Contrary to the misinformation presented by NSA directors Lieutenant General William ices, and to determine Israel’s possible mo- Cristol and others, it is important for the Odom, USA (Ret.), Admiral Bobby Ray tive in launching said attack on a U.S. naval American people to know that it is clear Inman, USN (Ret.), and Marshal Carter; vessel; that Israel is responsible for deliberately at- former NSA deputy directors Oliver Kirby Second, That every appropriate committee tacking an American ship and murdering and Major General John Morrison, USAF of the Congress of the United States inves- American sailors, whose bereaved shipmates (Ret.); and former Ambassador Dwight Por- tigate the actions of the White House and have lived with this egregious conclusion for ter, U.S. Ambassador to Lebanon in 1967; Defense Department that prevented the res- many years. 5. That in attacking the USS Liberty, Israel cue of the USS Liberty, thereafter threatened COMMONLY ASKED QUESTIONS ABOUT THE USS committed acts of murder against American her surviving officers and men if they ex- ‘‘LIBERTY’’ servicemen and an act of war against the posed the truth, and covered up the true cir- 1. What happened to the USS Liberty? The United States; cumstances of the attack from the American USS Liberty was a virtually unarmed Amer- 6. That fearing conflict with Israel, the people; and ican Navy ship that was attacked by Israeli White House deliberately prevented the U.S. Third, That the eighth day of June of every planes and torpedo boats on June 8, 1967. Navy from coming to the defense of the Lib- year be proclaimed to be hereafter known as 2. What were the American casualties? 34 erty by recalling Sixth Fleet military rescue USS Liberty Remembrance Day, in order to American sailors were killed and 172 injured support while the ship was under attack; evi- commemorate the Liberty’s heroic crew; and that day, a casualty rate of 70%. This is the dence of the recall of rescue aircraft is sup- to educate the American people of the dan- highest casualty rate ever inflicted upon a ported by statements of Captain Joe Tully, ger to our national security inherent in any U.S. naval vessel that remained afloat after Commanding Officer of the aircraft carrier passionate attachment of our elected offi- an attack. USS Saratoga, and Rear Admiral Lawrence cials for any foreign nation. Geis, the Sixth Fleet carrier division com- 3. What was Israel’s explanation for the at- AFFIDAVIT OF CAPTAIN WARD BOSTON, USN, JAG mander, at the time of the attack; never be- tack? Israel claimed the attack was ‘‘a case (RET.), SENIOR COUNSEL TO THE U.S. NAVY fore in American naval history has a rescue of mistaken identity’’; that they didn’t know COURT OF INQUIRY mission been cancelled when an American it was an American ship. ship was under attack; For more than 30 years, I have remained si- 4. Why would we question that explanation 7. That although the Liberty was saved lent on the topic of the USS Liberty. I am a more than 30 years later? The ship’s sur- from almost certain destruction through the military man and when orders come in from vivors were afraid to speak out in the early heroic efforts of the ship’s Captain, William the Secretary of Defense and President of years because of threats of ‘‘court martial, L. McGonagle (MOH), and his brave crew, the United States, I follow them. prison or worse’’ if they did not remain si- surviving crewmembers were later threat- However, recent attempts to rewrite his- lent. However, as time passed, they have ened with ‘‘court-martial, imprisonment or tory compel me to share the truth. stepped forward to say the attack was delib- worse’’ if they exposed the truth; and were In June of 1967, while serving as a Captain erate. abandoned by their own government; in the Judge Advocates General Department Recently, high government and military 8. That due to the influence of Israel’s pow- of the Navy, I was assigned as senior legal officials have suggested that not only was erful supporters in the United States, the counsel for the Navy’s Court of Inquiry into the attack deliberate, but that the US gov- White House deliberately covered up the the brutal attack on the USS Liberty, which ernment covered up the incident. Today, an facts of this attack from the American peo- had occurred on June 8th. The late Admiral Independent Commission of Inquiry has ple; Isaac C. Kidd, president of the Court, and I found that Israel committed ‘‘an act of war’’ 9. That due to continuing pressure by the were given only one week to gather evidence against the United States (see Findings of pro-Israel lobby in the United States, this for the Navy’s official investigation into the Independent Commission). attack remains the only serious naval inci- attack. Admiral John S. McCain, Jr., then In addition, the Navy’s chief attorney to dent that has never been thoroughly inves- Commander-in-chief, Naval Forces Europe the original 1967 military Court of Inquiry tigated by Congress; to this day, no sur- (CINCUSNAVEUR), at his headquarters in has issued a statement that orders to cover viving crewmember has been permitted to of- London, had charged Admiral Kidd (in a let- up the incident were issued by President ficially and publicly testify about the at- ter dated June 10, 1967) to ‘‘inquire into all Lyndon Johnson and Secretary of Defense tack; the pertinent facts and circumstances lead- Robert McNamara [see Statement of Captain 10. That there has been an official cover-up ing to and connected with the armed attack: Ward Boston, USN, JAG (Ret.)]. without precedent in American naval his- damage resulting therefrom; and deaths of 5. Did Israel have reason to believe the tory; the existence of such a cover-up is now and injuries to Naval personnel.’’ Despite the USS Liberty was an Egyptian ship? Israel supported by statements of Rear Admiral short amount of time we were given, we says its pilots and torpedo boat commanders

VerDate Aug 04 2004 02:50 Oct 13, 2004 Jkt 039060 PO 00000 Frm 00021 Fmt 0626 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A09OC8.161 E11PT1 E1888 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — Extensions of Remarks October 11, 2004 confused the USS Liberty with the El Quseir, fighters were launched from the aircraft car- guished naval career of Admiral Thomas H. an Egyptian ship allegedly firing upon its riers America and Saratoga while the Liberty Moorer spanned 41 years. Following his forces in the Sinai. But there was no Egyp- was under attack. However, they were quick- Graduation from the Naval Academy in 1933, tian naval bombardment that day; nor did ly recalled by the White House. This is the he became a Navy pilot, a war hero, and a the El Quseir (an unarmed 1920s-era horse only instance in American naval history ship’s captain. On December 7, 1941, as a carrier out of service in Alexandria) bear any where a rescue mission was cancelled when naval aviator, Lieutenant Moorer was one of resemblance to the Liberty. an American ship was under attack. the first pilots off the ground following the 6. Isn’t it difficult to identify a ship if 13. Why would Israel have deliberately at- attack on Pearl Harbor. A hero of the Battle you’re in an airplane? In 1967, the USS Lib- tacked an American ship? Israel’s motive for of Midway, his numerous decorations for erty was the most sophisticated intelligence launching the attack has never been deter- valor during WWII include the Silver Star ship in the world, with dozens of large anten- mined with certainty. This is why an impar- and Purple Heart. In 1957, Moorer was pro- nas, including a large moon-bounce ‘‘sat- tial investigation is critical. One hypothesis moted to the rank of Admiral. In 1965, he ellite-dish’’ mounted on a tall structure near is that Israel intended to sink the ship (with broke new ground, becoming the only Amer- the stern. It may have been one of the most no survivors) and blame Egypt because this ican admiral to have ever commanded both easily identifiable ships of any navy in the might have brought the United States into our Atlantic and Pacific Fleets. He later world. With a displacement of 10,000 tons, it the 1967 war. Another hypothesis is that the served as Chief of Naval Operations, and was four times the size of the antique Egyp- Liberty was gathering intelligence about ac- Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff. The F– tian transport it is claimed to have resem- tivities that Israel did not want revealed. 14 Tomcat, the Navy’s main fighter for many bled. Freshly painted, the Liberty carried Examples might include the massacre of years, was named for Admiral Moorer. Since large white identification numbers on its Egyptian prisoners of war that was then oc- his retirement in 1974, Admiral Moorer has bow. Egyptian hull numbers are painted curring in the Sinai, as well as Israel’s im- served on the boards of many American cor- black. pending invasion of Syria. porations, and is a tireless advocate for 7. Doesn’t Israel say that the Liberty flew 14. Has the incident been investigated in American veterans. Working with Admiral no flag? According to American survivors, a the past? Some people say that there have Arleigh Burke (CNO), Admiral Moorer was 5-by-8 feet American flag was hoisted early been ‘‘thirteen official investigations’’ all instrumental in establishing the United that morning and was flying all day until it concluding the attack was a case of mis- States Navy Memorial on Pennsylvania Ave- was shot away by attacking aircraft. Within taken identity. Several were conducted by nue in Washington, D.C. He is currently several minutes, it was replaced by the giant Israel. Upon examination, however, every Chairman of the Liberty Alliance, an organi- 7-by-13 feet holiday ensign, which flew for one is based upon the conclusions of the zation dedicated to obtaining an honest in- the duration of the attack. original 1967 U.S. Navy Court of Inquiry, vestigation of Israel’s attack on the USS Lib- 8. Could Israel have thought the ship was which accepted the Israeli version, but which erty and the official cover-up that followed. in a war zone, acting suspiciously? According has been exposed and discredited by its chief General of Marines Raymond G. Davis (MOH), former Assistant Commandant of the to surviving crewmembers, Israeli reconnais- attorney as a cover-up. sance aircraft closely studied the Liberty 15. Did the surviving crewmembers testify Marine Corps—General Davis, one of Amer- ica’s most decorated heroes, passed away on over an eight-hour period prior to the at- in the other investigations? In not one of September 3, 2003. As a combat veteran of tack, one flying within two hundred feet of these ‘‘investigations’’ were any of the Lib- three wars and a dedicated member of the the ship. At all times the Liberty was a clear- erty’s surviving crewmembers permitted to Marine Corps for 34 years, General Davis re- ly marked American ship in international publicly testify. ceived the Congressional Medal of Honor— waters, proceeding at a speed of only 5 knots. 16. Why would the White House prevent the the nation’s highest award for valor—as well 9. What was the weather like the day of the rescue of an American ship? This is, perhaps, as the Navy Cross, two Distinguished Service attack? Weather reports confirm that it was the most disturbing question arising out of Medals, two Silver Stars, two Legion of a clear day with unlimited visibility. The Israel’s attack. It is why there needs to be a Merit awards, the Bronze Star, and the Pur- Israeli reconnaissance planes could have thorough investigation of the actions taken ple Heart. General Davis was renowned for seen the Liberty’s crew sunbathing on the by the White House and the Secretary of De- his exploits in the Pacific during WWII, as a upper decks just before the attack. The flag fense. Why did they order the recall of the battalion and regimental commander during was flying in a 12-knot breeze for most of the planes that had been sent to rescue the Lib- the Korean War, and as Commanding Gen- afternoon. erty? Why did they order that the survivors 10. Doesn’t Israel say they ended the at- eral of the 3rd Marine Division in Viet Nam. be silenced and the true facts be withheld tack the minute they saw someone hoist an Attaining four-star rank in 1971, Davis from the American people? American flag? The Israeli attack by com- 17. What kind of investigation are you call- served as Assistant Commandant of the bined air and naval forces spanned two ing for? We are calling for a new Court of In- Corps before retiring in 1972. A strong pro- hours—as long as the attack on Pearl Har- quiry by the Department of the Navy, with ponent of veterans’ issues, General Davis bor. The air attack alone lasted approxi- congressional oversight, to take public testi- served as chairman of the advisory board to mately 25 minutes: consisting of more than mony from surviving crewmembers and oth- the Korean War Veterans Memorial in Wash- 30 sorties by approximately 12 separate erwise thoroughly examine the cir- ington, D.C., dedicated in 1995. Prior to his planes using napalm, cannon, and rockets cumstances of the attack. death, General Davis served as Vice Chair- which left 821 holes in the ship. Following 18. Why are you calling for a naval—and man of the Liberty Alliance and was a prin- the air attack, three Israeli motor torpedo not a congressional—investigation? We be- cipal member of the Commission of Inquiry ′ ′ boats torpedoed the ship, causing a 40 x 40 lieve this would remove the inquiry from the into the cover-up of the attack on the USS wide hole in her hull, and machine-gunning political pressures traditionally exerted by Liberty. Rear Admiral Merlin Staring, former firefighters and stretcher-bearers attempting special interest groups upon individual con- Judge Advocate General of the Navy—Merlin to save their ship and crew. More than 3,000 gressional offices. Fundraising and election Staring’s distinguished naval career, which machine-gun bullet holes were later counted pressures have prevented an honest inves- spanned nearly 25 years, began as an ensign on the Liberty’s hull. After the attack was tigation from being conducted for the past 36 in December 1941. Among his numerous deco- thought to have ended, three life rafts were years. rations, Admiral Staring was awarded the lowered into the water to rescue the most se- 19. Why is this significant for the Amer- Navy Distinguished Service Medal. In June riously wounded. The Israeli torpedo boats ican people 36 years later? We have a duty to of 1967, Staring served as Staff Legal Officer returned and machine-gunned these life rafts the crew of the USS Liberty, while the sur- to Admiral John S. McCain, Jr., the Com- at close range. This was followed by the ap- vivors are still alive to testify, and while the mander-in-chief, U.S. Naval Forces Europe proach of two large Israeli Army assault hel- perpetrators can be brought to justice. Fur- (CINCUSNAVEUR) in London, which encom- icopters filled with armed commandos car- thermore, any policies that paralyze our passed the Mediterranean, and was assigned rying what appeared to be explosive satchels elected leadership to the extent they become to review the record of the Navy Court of In- (they departed after hovering over the ship unable or unwilling to protect Americans quiry’s investigation into the Israeli attack for several minutes, making no attempt to and American interests, endangers not only on the USS Liberty. Admiral Staring later communicate). the safety of all Americans but also the na- 11. Did the Liberty send out a distress sig- served as the Navy’s legal advisor to Secre- tional security of the United States. nal when it was under attack? Throughout taries of the Navy Paul R. Ignatius and John 20. Doesn’t America have a special rela- the air attack, the Liberty’s radio operators H. Chafee. Attaining the rank of Rear Admi- tionship with Israel? No nation or people found it difficult to transmit a distress sig- ral in 1972, he was appointed Judge Advocate should be above the law; nor should Amer- nal because the attacking Israeli aircraft General of the Navy—the Navy’s chief attor- ican interests be subordinated to the inter- jammed all five of the Liberty’s American, ney—a position he held through 1975. Cur- ests of any foreign nation. Those Israelis re- not Egyptian, emergency radio channels. rently, Admiral Staring is Treasurer and a sponsible for ordering the attack and the re- However, a call for help did reach the U.S. director of the Liberty Alliance. sulting murder of American sailors must be Navy command in the Mediterranean. Ambassador James Akins, former U.S. Am- held accountable for their actions. 12. What was the American response time? bassador to Saudi Arabia—James Akins Although American carrier-based air support THE INDEPENDENT COMMISSION OF INQUIRY served his country for 25 years as a distin- was only 40 minutes away, help did not reach Admiral Thomas H. Moorer, former Chair- guished member of the diplomatic corps. the USS Liberty for seventeen hours. Navy man, Joint Chiefs of Staff—The distin- From 1963–1965, he served as an attache at

VerDate Aug 04 2004 02:50 Oct 13, 2004 Jkt 039060 PO 00000 Frm 00022 Fmt 0626 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A09OC8.165 E11PT1 October 11, 2004 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — Extensions of Remarks E1889 the U.S. Embassy in Baghdad, and later as tinued—and steady—progress toward building First, the vote was held, and with numer- the U.S. Ambassador to Saudi Arabia during a democracy. In particular, I note the recent ous international observers. Some of these, the Nixon administration. An internation- parliamentary elections held in Kazakhstan on especially as covered in the major press, had ally respected expert on the Middle East and complaints about both voting mechanics and energy issues, Ambassador Akins has been September 19. While the elections show that the social backdrop against which the vote an active and outspoken proponent for a just Kazakhstan has work to do in order to more took place—especially including reports of resolution of the Arab-Israeli conflict. He is fully meet international standards for demo- ‘‘intimidation’’ of some voters on Election a respected and highly sought speaker and cratic elections, they were a significant im- Day, and the lack of a paper trail from vot- analyst on the Middle East peace process as provement over past elections. ing machines used by about 20 percent of the well as Arab politics in general. Author Earlier this year, I was visited by members voters. Jeans-Jacques Servan Schreiber called Am- of the Kazakhstan Embassy. Among other in- In fact, to an extent, that’s the point. bassador Akins ‘‘the westerner who knows formation I learned that Kazakhstan gained its Kazakhstan has now held a competitive elec- the most about the Middle East and has the independence in 1991. It held its first tion, with a largest number of international closest relationship of trust with its lead- observers per capita compared to (say) re- ers.’’ Ambassador Akins is a director of the multiparty election in 1994. In 1999, the repub- cent votes in Venezuela, Indonesia or the Liberty Alliance. lic conducted parliamentary elections that Philippines. Critics can point out flaws, doc- f were widely criticized by the international com- ument the ruling party’s heavy-handedness, munity. Since that time, Kazakhstan passed a and urge future improvements. PAYING TRIBUTE TO MANCEL much-improved law on elections, held twelve The most balanced report to emerge, by PAGE televised debates, conducted effective voter the Organization for Security and Coopera- education, permitted more than 1,000 election tion in Europe, generated Western headlines observers to monitor the elections, and reg- saying the election ‘‘failed the democracy HON. SCOTT McINNIS test’’ (The New York Times) and even was OF COLORADO istered 12 parties—including an opposition ‘‘fraudulent’’ (The Washington Times). But IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES party that had been refused registration in the report itself noted positive areas of Friday, October 8, 2004 prior elections. These are all positive steps ‘‘progress’’ as against previous Kazakh elec- forward for Kazakhstan—steps that were un- tions—the relevant unit of comparison. Mr. MCINNIS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to thinkable in past elections. I thanked them for Professor Frederick Starr of Johns Hop- pay tribute to Mancel Page, a dedicated their visit—and assured them that as Chair- kins, who was in Kazakhstan as an observer, watchmaker from Grand Junction, Colorado. man of the Energy and Air Quality Sub- judged the voting to be fundamentally im- Mancel is retiring at the age of 81 after 40 committee, I looked forward to working out proved over recent Kazakh standards. ‘‘Over- years in the jewelry business, and I want to all . . . the election was ‘‘a step forward, not mutual energy thrusts helpful to both take this opportunity to recognize his many withstanding the imperfections,’’ he said in a Kazakhstan and the United States. years of service to his community before this statement issued in Astana on Monday. Un- Mr. Speaker, I would like to highlight to my body of Congress and this Nation. fortunately, such views were not widely Mancel came by the jewelry business natu- colleagues an essay published by United quoted in the international press. rally. His mother’s uncle was a jeweler in Ger- Press International on September 25, 2004, Second, and more important, if the results and written by Gregory Fossedal, entitled hold up, at least one opposition party will be many, and Mancel began taking apart and re- seated in the Kazakh Parliament. This is an pairing clocks when he was ten years old. His ‘‘Outside View: Big progress in Kazakhstan.’’ The essay provides a balanced assessment of important signpost in democratic develop- store, Page Parsons Jewelers, located on the ment—as the evolution of Mexico, the Phil- main street of downtown Grand Junction, was the recent Kazakh election. ippines, Pakistan, Turkey, and other coun- founded in 1895 and is one of the oldest busi- Unlike many of his colleagues, Mr. Fossedal tries shows. Looking back at countries that nesses in the city. Mancel, grew up repairing examines the elections within the context of have completed a successful democratic clocks and loving sports. He played basketball Kazakhstan’s young history. He looks at how transition, opposition seating is normally a for his school in Missouri and during the time far Kazakhstan has come since its independ- key inflection point. ence and how it compares with its neighbors. This doesn’t mean that Kazakhstan will be he served in the military during World War II. a full democracy shortly, or even in five or 10 Athletics are something outside of work that Moreover, the essay makes a compelling case that, considering Kazakhstan’s geographic and years; the government could always crack he still makes time to enjoy. down and reverse direction. It is, however, While in the military Mancel worked at a demographic position, its steady progress is forward motion. local jewelry store and then went on to college important to U.S. security. In social terms, Kazakhstan also parallels to study gemology before becoming a certified Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to read some of the developments seen in Mexico or gemologist. Mancel and his wife Anna moved this essay and I would like to have the text of the Philippines in the 1980s. Income is surg- to Grand Junction in 1950 and bought the jew- this essay placed into the CONGRESSIONAL ing, the economy has grown at an 8 percent elry store in 1964. Through the decades RECORD following my statement. to 12 percent pace each of the last five years. This, in turn, is generating a middle class Mancel has enjoyed great success. Mancel is [From United Press International, Sept. 25, 2004] with greater access to information, and in- also active in Grand Junction community orga- sistence on freedom of expression. nizations such as the Downtown Development OUTSIDE VIEW: BIG PROGRESS IN KAZAKHAN Kazakhstan doesn’t enjoy much of a do- Authority, and the downtown merchant’s asso- (By Gregory Fossedal) mestic free press, for example. But foreign ciation that have been instrumental in revital- WASHINGTON, DC, Sept. 24 (UPI).—Kazakhs- newspapers and magazines are available in izing the downtown area to be more customer tan held national elections on Sunday, most cities. Mobile telephone usage has friendly. prompting comments from a number of out- more than tripled over five years. In 1997, Mr. Speaker, Mancel Page has dedicated side observers, and all the local opposition, there were as paltry 15,000 Internet users. 40 years to the jewelry business and his ef- that the vote was a step backwards for de- This rose to more than 70,000 in 2000, more mocracy. Was it that—or was it just not as than 150,000 last year, and probably exceeds forts in the Grand Junction community are much progress as democracy-lovers around 200,000 today. highly commendable. I am honored to recog- the world, including me, might hope for? That’s still small for an emerging middle- nize his many years of service before this To answer that question, we need to decide income country with 16 million people. But body of Congress and this Nation. Thank you what Kazakhstan’s admittedly sloppy de- of course, every such user has family, for all your hard work Mancel, and I wish you, mocracy today is being compared to: the friends, and business associates. In emerging your wife Anna, and your daughter Peggy all Kazakhstan of several years ago, other coun- democracies, as in Poland in the 1980s, infor- the best in your future endeavors. tries in the region 10 years ago, or Russia, mation can spread quickly. As well, China, Iraq or Florida? Kazakhstan now has a number of inde- f By most of these standards, the country pendent service providers less amenable to DEMOCRATIC PROGRESS IN seems to have made mild but steady im- direct government control. KAZAKHSTAN provement. Progress, that is to say, motion The government has tried to block access towards a goal. Furthermore, considering to critical news sources at home and abroad. Kazakhstan’s geographic and demographic Such efforts, however, are generally doomed HON. RALPH M. HALL position, it’s a steady improvement that’s to failure unless one goes all the way and im- OF TEXAS important to U.S. security and democracy in poses direct, government-controlled net ac- IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES general. cess only—something the government has Friday, October 8, 2004 Measuring a democracy’s progress at the stepped back from doing. low end of development is a tricky matter, Sergei Duvanov of the Institute for War Mr. HALL. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to com- but Kazakhstan’s recent vote appears to and Peace Reporting outlined how Kazakhs mend the Republic of Kazakhstan on its con- have at least two positive signposts. were able to get around many of the blocks

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