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.