YES, THIS IS WHAT I RECEIVED FROM JOE LIEBERMAN ABOUT WANTING HIM TO SUPPORT THE PROTEST OF THE ELECTION CERTIFICATION ON JAN 6TH. GREAT ANSWER JOE !!!
February 2, 2005
XXXXXXXXXXXXXX
XXXXXXXXXXXXXX
Manchester, CT 06040
Dear XXXXXXXXXXXX:
Thank you for contacting me regarding homeland security and the ongoing war on terrorism. I continue to receive countless letters offeringvarious suggestions as to how the United States should proceed; and I certainly appreciate hearing your thoughts.
The war on terror around the globe continues – despite our
accomplishments. The Taliban was ousted from power and Al Qaeda elementswere defeated three years ago. Successful presidential elections held in Afghanistan on October 9, 2004, are likely to accelerate stabilization and reconstruction. Afghanistan no longer serves as a safe base of operation for Al Qaeda. Afghan citizens, including about 3 million refugees, enjoy personal freedoms that were forbidden under the Taliban. Likewise, major military action in Iraq concluded with the successful capture of Saddam Hussein. An interim Iraqi government was established shortly before the
hand over of sovereignty, which took place on June 28, 2004. Current
plans are for elections for a transition government just after the New Year, with votes on a permanent Constitution by October 2005. U.S.military personnel remain in both Afghanistan and Iraq.
Perhaps our greatest accomplishment in the war on terror was theformation of the National Commission on Terrorist Attacks Upon the United States (9-11 Commission) and subsequent overhaul of U.S. intelligence. I worked with Senator McCain (R-AZ), to enact legislation establishing an independent commission to investigate U.S. government failures leading up to September 11, 2001, and secure funds which allowed the Commission to carry out its statutory role. The report produced by the 9-11 Commission highlighted areas which need to be addressed by Congress. For example,our intelligence and law enforcement agencies did not manage, or share
information, or effectively follow leads. Our border, immigration, and aviation security agencies were not integrated into the counterterrorism effort.
From the recommendations brought forth by the 9-11 Commission, the President signed the National Intelligence Reform Act of 2003 (S. 2845), which I was a co-sponsored. This comprehensive legislation establishes a Director of National Intelligence, the National Counterterrorism Center,
National Counter Proliferation Center, and National Intelligence Centers. Moreover, it improves education for the intelligence community and establishes, within the Executive Office of the President, a privacy and civil liberties oversight board; among additional provisions. This legislation is the foundation for the work that lies ahead. We must ensure that our intelligence agencies have the leadership, agility, and resources necessary for this new structure to succeed.
I understand that as we work to keep our country safe, the United States is sometimes perceived in a negative light by other countries around the world. We must continue to reach out to the Muslim world and work together to defeat terrorism. Because Al Qaeda represents an ideology,not a finite group of people, we cannot let our guard down. I still believe that our best defense against the rise of extremism and terrorism is to offer our support to the Muslim world and enhance our mutual
understanding and respect.
We have certainly made progress, but there remains a great deal yet to do. Unfortunately, there is no silver bullet or decisive blow that can defeat terrorism; it will take unity of effort and sustained and effective use of every tool at our disposal. For example, working to ensure key countries like Afghanistan, Pakistan, and Saudi Arabia are stable, capable, and resolute in opposing terrorism. We should aim to put forth
an agenda of opportunity – economic, educational, and political – so that young people in the Arab and Islamic world have peaceful and productive avenues for expression and hope. We also need to sustain a coalition of nations that cooperates bilaterally and multilaterally with us in the counterterrorism effort. We must continue to work towards a better dialogue between the West and Islamic world. At home, we need to set clear priorities for the protection of our infrastructure and the security of our transportation, with the private sector and local governments
playing an important role in keeping our neighborhoods and communities
safe.
Recently, I was pleased to learn that the Connecticut state emergency officials and the American Red Cross announced a major campaign to prepare Connecticut residents for disasters including acts of terrorism and the use of weapons of mass destruction. Their goal is to make Connecticut the most prepared state in the union. I also know of efforts within the Connecticut Department of Health to better understand bioterrorism. The Department has worked to develop rapid communication between local, state, and federal agencies to provide guidance to hospitals and the medical
community.
Please be assured that my colleagues and I in Congress will continue to work hard to keep America safe. During the 109th Congress, which recently convened, I will remain the Ranking Minority member on the Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee, that oversees the Department of Homeland Security and authored the major intelligence reforms of the 108th Congress and I will continue to fight hard against terrorism, both foreign and domestic.
My official Senate web site is designed to be an on-line office that provides access to constituent services, Connecticut-specific information, and an abundance of information about what I am working on in the Senate on behalf of Connecticut and the nation. I am also pleased to let you know that I have launched an email news update service through my web site. You can sign up for that service by visiting
http://lieberman.senate.gov and clicking on the "Subscribe Email News Updates" button at the bottom of the home page. I hope these are informative and useful.
Thank you again for letting me know your views and concerns. Please contact me if you have any additional questions or comments about our work in Congress.
Sincerely,
Joe Lieberman
JIL:RLB
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