June 14, 2001 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — Extensions of Remarks E1105 EXTENSIONS OF REMARKS
FLAG DAY and Congressman JOHN SWEENEY, in offering RECOGNIZING CONTRIBUTIONS, this House Concurrent Resolution. This resolu- ACHIEVEMENTS, AND DEDI- HON. SAM GRAVES tion seeks to ensure a just and equitable re- CATED WORK OF SHIRLEY ANITA OF MISSOURI gional arrangement that will strengthen polit- CHISHOLM ical, economic and security ties among all the IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES nations of the South Caucasus. SPEECH OF Thursday, June 14, 2001 Mr. Speaker, I am greatly concerned by the HON. CHARLES B. RANGEL Mr. GRAVES. Mr. Speaker, it is an honor to National Energy Policy Development (NEPD) OF NEW YORK (Group recommendation to support the Baku- rise today on Flag Day to extend my apprecia- IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES tion to our veterans and the men and women Ceyhan (SAY-han) pipeline. Along with my in our Armed Forces for their service and pro- colleagues, Mr. KNOLLENBERT, Mr. PALLONE Tuesday, June 12, 2001 tection in both peace and war. and Mr. SWEENEY, I will be sending a letter to Mr. RANGEL. Mr. Speaker, I rise before you I am honored to attend the 13th Annual Flag the President urging him to reexamine the today to join with my colleagues in honoring Retirement Ceremony on Saturday, June 16, NEPD Group recommendations regarding the one of the most dedicated and respected leg- 2001, hosted by the American Legion Stanley Caucasus. I am also asking that he review all islators of our time—former Congresswoman Pack Post #499, in Blue Springs, Missouri. current and future oil and gas pipeline routes and civil rights leader Shirley Anita Chisholm. American Legion Post #499 has a long history to ensure that all countries of the South It is said of Shirley Chisholm that she was of providing a ceremony to lie to rest our col- Caucasus are included. a passionate and effective advocate for the ors. The members of the American Legion The proposed Baku-Ceyhan pipeline route needs of minorities, women, and children and Post #499 have tirelessly dedicated their time originating in the Azerbaijani capital of Baku that she truly changed the nation’s perception to honor our nation’s flag and share with our and terminating at the Turkish port of Ceyhan about the capabilities of women and African- citizens, both young and old, their respect and via Georgia, explicitly bypasses Armenia at Americans. Well, while that may well be true, admiration for the flag and all that it rep- the insistence of Azerbaijan. The demands by Shirley Chisholm was that and so much more. resents. Azerbaijan to bypass Armenia come despite I had the distinction and pleasure of serving As American Legion Post #499 lays these the knowledge that a trans-Armenia route is with Shirley Chisholm in the New York State tired flags to rest, we are mindful of the glory the most reliable, direct and cost-effective Assembly in the mid 1960’s and later here in of our nation and the rights and freedoms that route, and certainly one of the most tangible the Congress where she was the first African- we share. The 13 red and white stripes not actions in support of regional integration and American woman elected to Congress, and only represent our humble beginnings as 13 cooperation. witnessed firsthand just how much of a pio- British colonies who fought bravely to gain us Armenia’s exclusion from regional economic neer and visionary she was. She didn’t fear freedom but also the purity of our national pur- and commercial undertakings in the South entering the male-dominated Brooklyn political pose and the blood of our brave men and Caucasus hinders U.S. policy goals of pro- arena, nor the New York State Legislature, nor women in uniform who selflessly stand ready moting regional stability based upon the devel- this Congress, and she did it with the ebullient to defend our nation. opment of strong political, economic and secu- style and determination that was Shirley. There is no better symbol of our country’s rity ties among all countries of the Caucasus Her enduring spirit and foresight, lead her to values and traditions than the flag of the and the United States. Exclusion of one coun- take the biggest step of all when she ran for United States of America. It continues to ex- try in regional projects only fosters instability. the Democratic presidential nomination in emplify the profound commitment that our Armenia must be included in regional and 1972, only seven years after Blacks were founders made to freedom, equality, and op- trans-regional economic plans and projects. given the right to vote. It was through this portunity more than two centuries ago. The Only then can stability in the Caucasus be fos- venue, that Shirley Chisholm was able to flag flies with magnificent glory from public tered. Encouragement of open market econo- focus national attention on the issues that buildings, covers hero’s tombs as a remem- mies, increased trade and international private mattered most to her. She became a powerful brance of their bravery, and serves as a daily investment will lead to regional prosperity for spokesperson for the Democratic Party. reminder to all of us that the blessing of de- all the countries involved. No one country Though she was not successful in her bid, her mocracy and peace should not be taken for should be excluded. Moreover, it simply does running was symbolic. It encouraged other granted. not make sense to choose a far more costly Blacks and women to participate in politics; it It is important that we teach our children the option that excludes Armenia, because of po- opened the door to later campaigns, and it significance of our flag. Today, our nation re- litical considerations that do not benefit either sent the message that Black politicians had news its allegiance to our flag. Together, we the countries of the region nor the U.S. The arrived. stand collectively to honor its glory as its vi- proposed Baku-Ceyhan pipeline is estimated For many years, Shirley Chisholm has given brant colors continue to wave through the to cost more than $2.7 billion. A pipeline that leadership to the struggle for equality and skies that blanket the dreams and hopes of includes Armenia, a route that is more direct human rights for all people. Her life exempli- our beloved America. This truly is the land of would reduce the pipeline costs by a minimum fies her passionate commitment for a just soci- the free and the home of the brave, and I am of $6 million. That is a significant savings. ety and her vision for a better world. Through- honored that we can share and enjoy the That is a cost savings not only for the region, out her political career, her tireless efforts lead peace and the prosperity of this great nation. but for U.S. taxpayers who are helping to fund her to take on such issues as women’s rights, f planning and implementation of the South funding for day care, job training, fair housing, Caucasus pipeline projects. and environmental protection just to name a H. CON. RES. REGARDING OIL AND Finally, I should note that Armenia has been few. She also fought against credits to defray GAS PIPELINE ROUTES THROUGH a strong ally of the U.S. in the region. With a the cost of going to private schools fearing it THE SOUTH CAUCASUS well-educated and highly skilled population, it would diminish the quality of public schools. is a country moving towards democracy and Shirley Chisholm was an outspoken leader. HON. JOSEPH CROWLEY an open economy. We simply cannot afford to She worked for the reform of U.S. political par- OF NEW YORK alienate a proven friend and ally in the region. ties and legislatures in order to meet the IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES In closing, I want to urge the President to needs of more citizens. She was a severe crit- give additional thought to the proposed Baku- ic of the seniority system in Congress and pro- Thursday, June 14, 2001 Ceyhan pipeline and to have the foresight to tested her 1969 assignment to the House Ag- Mr. CROWLEY. Mr. Speaker, I am pleased include Armenia in that project, both for the riculture Committee. She soon won reassign- to join my colleagues, Congressman JOSEPH good of the region, and for the good of U.S. ment to a committee on which she felt she KNOLLENBERG, Congressman FRANK PALLONE, policy in the region. could be of greater service to her district.
∑ This ‘‘bullet’’ symbol identifies statements or insertions which are not spoken by a Member of the Senate on the floor. Matter set in this typeface indicates words inserted or appended, rather than spoken, by a Member of the House on the floor.
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