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Congressman McIntyre
Urges Students to Action
 Seventh
District U.S. Congressman Mike McIntyre called on UNC Pembroke students
Thursday to pull together behind America's recovery from the September
11 terrorist attacks.
The Lumberton native,
who sits on the Armed Forces Committee and a panel on terrorism, spoke
to Prof. Ray Adame's political science class and answered student questions
afterward.
"This cowardly
act struck at each of us, but they have not broken our foundation as
a nation," U.S. Rep. McIntyre said. "Many of us would like
to return to the comfort of normalcy, but now is the time to act in
the name of freedom and justice."
He said Congress
is unified behind the President and worked "immediately to move
ahead to rebuild a world that is as President Truman said is 'safe for
democracy.'"
"This is the
first time since the War of 1812 that we have been attacked on American
soil," Rep. McIntyre said. "What can you do to help?"
"You can be
in prayer for the victims, their families, for the police and rescue
workers and for the government which must make tough decisions about
the future," he said."
The congressman
urged students to give blood and to help local relief agencies.
"Find a way
to strengthen the character of America," Rep. McIntyre said. "Find
a way to reach out and help someone in need."
"The next time
you see a fireman, policeman, rescue worker or soldier - thank them!"
Congressman McIntyre
assured listeners that Congress is working quickly to shore up the economy
and to provide the means to protect Americans. He said the $40 billion
approved so far for short-term economic relief and national security
is just "a down payment on what needs to be done."
In answer to a question
about the war against terrorism placing American's civil liberties in
jeopardy, the congressman urged fair treatment of Muslims in America.
"We must treat
all American citizens fairly, regardless of skin color," he said.
"However, when there is no national security, the argument over
civil liberties becomes meaningless."
Rep. McIntyre said
Congress would give the FBI and CIA additional powers to keep surveillance
on individuals and groups of suspected terrorists.
The congressman
said he viewed damage at the Pentagon this week and will travel to New
York Monday with a Congressional delegation. Following the noon speech,
he attended a seminar at UNCP on electronic commerce in the afternoon.
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