This week, the House unanimously passed H. Res. 1088, expressing support for Lebanon’s democratic institutions and condemning the recent terrorist assassination of Lebanese parliamentarian and Industry Minister Pierre Amine Gemayel.

Giving Nation

Recently, various celebrities have taken to parroting the popular liberal mantra that decries America as a stingy nation not doing enough to address poverty at home or abroad. In his new book “Who Really Cares”, Syracuse University professor Arthur Brooks debunks that urban myth. While the governments of some other nations give more to charitable causes relative to their size than the U.S. government does, Professor Brooks points out that American people give more than the citizens of any other country in the world. And, we also volunteer more. In 2005 alone, we gave $260 billion in charity – nearly $900 for every man, woman, and child. This individual generosity is one of America’s core strengths.

Interestingly, the working poor are some of the most generous people in our society, whereas, the nonworking poor give at lower levels than any other group. What this means is that poverty does not discourage charity, but welfare does. Congress must always be careful not to enact policies that discourage the private charitable behavior so characteristic of our people.

R.I.P Jeane Kirkpatrick

Yesterday, the United States lost a true champion of human rights, freedom, and America’s place in the world. Jeane J. Kirkpatrick passed away at the age of 80 after succumbing to heart disease and failing health. After serving as Ronald Reagan's foreign policy adviser in his 1980 campaign, she was the first woman to serve as U.S. ambassador to the United Nations (UN) and served from 1981-85. In her distinguished career of public service, she also sat on the National Security Council, President’s Foreign Intelligence Advisory Board, Defense Policy Review Board, Secretary of Defense Commission on Fail Safe and Risk Reduction, and the UN Human Rights Commission. Furthermore, she was an accomplished academic who researched and instructed at several prestigious institutions. Ambassador Kirkpatrick was a powerful voice in support of America’s global struggle against communism. Her arguments enunciated the moral authority of the U.S. position against the Soviet block and its efforts to expand its influence around the world. She reshaped diplomacy during the final phase of the Cold War and helped the civilized nations of the world hold the line against totalitarianism. For all of that, America owes her a debt of gratitude.

Pearl Harbor Remembered

It has now been 65 years since pilots from a Japanese carrier force bombed Pearl Harbor. They killed 2,403 Americans and destroyed much of the American fleet and air forces stationed in Hawaii. Within one day, reality changed for every American as the United States declared war. After much sacrifice and focus, a complete American military victory was achieved within four years. Sixty years after Pearl Harbor came another surprise attack on U.S. soil. Nearly 3,000 people died in the cowardly September 11th attacks – making it the Pearl Harbor for a new generation. It has now been five years since that terrible day.

We must never forget these two tragedies, twin towers of grief in our collective experience. Even more importantly, we must never forget that we have and can overcome whatever challenges arise.

Quote of the Week

“Yesterday, December 7, 1941 — a date which will live in infamy — the United States of America was suddenly and deliberately attacked by naval and air forces of the Empire of Japan… No matter how long it may take us to overcome this premeditated invasion, the American people, in their righteous might, will win through to absolute victory… With confidence in our armed forces, with the unbounding determination of our people, we will gain the inevitable triumph, so help us God.” – President Franklin D. Roosevelt addressing Congress after the attack on Pearl Harbor, December 8, 1941