Statement of Congresswoman
Cynthia McKinney on Terrorist Warnings
May 16, 2002
Several weeks ago, I called for a congressional
investigation into what warnings the Bush Administration
received before the terrorist attacks of September
11, 2001. I was derided by the White House, right
wing talk radio, and spokespersons for the military-industrial
complex as a conspiracy theorist. Even my patriotism
was questioned because I dared to suggest that
Congress should conduct a full and complete investigation
into the most disastrous intelligence failure
in American history. Georgia Senator Zell Miller
even went so far as to characterize my call for
hearings as "dangerous, loony and irresponsible."
Today's revelations that the administration,
and President Bush, were given months of notice
that a terrorist attack was a distinct possibility
points out the critical need for a full and complete
congressional investigation.
It now becomes clear why the Bush Administration
has been vigorously opposing congressional hearings.
The Bush Administration has been engaged in a
conspiracy of silence. If committed and patriotic
people had not been pushing for disclosure today's
revelations would have been hidden by the White
House.
Because I love my country, because I am a patriot,
and because the American people deserve the truth,
I believe it would be dangerous, loony and irresponsible
not to hold full congressional hearings on any
warnings the Bush Administration had before the
terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001.
Ever since I came to Congress in 1992, there
are those who have been trying to silence my voice.
I've been told to "sit down and shut up" over
and over again. Well, I won't sit down and I won't
shut up until the full and unvarnished truth is
placed before the American people.
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