The Friday Faxline

The Friday Faxline

Issue 367, July 30, 2004

Farm Tour a success

On my annual farm tour this week, 80 farmers came out to share their concerns and ask questions. We discussed the great progress that's been made in the war on terror, the economy, and social issues. In addition we talked about farm policy, energy, the environment, subsidies, taxes, and immigration. The farmers with whom I met control tens of thousands of acres of land in our district. But as they acquire land and build equity, they incur more tax liability, which hurts them when they try to pass their land on to their kids. That's why a critical issue for me in Congress has been and will continue to be lowering the tax burden on family farmers just trying to make a living.

Major al-Qaeda operative captured

Ahmed Khalfan Ghailani, a Tanzanian wanted in the 1998 bombings at U.S. embassies in Kenya and Tanzania, was captured this week by Pakistani authorities. Mr. Ghailani is on the FBI's list of 22 most wanted terrorists, with a reward of up to $25 million on his head. He was arrested with about 12 other terror suspects and the arrest could lead to the capture of other key al-Qaeda figures. Ghailani is among six terror suspects singled out as representing a possible threat to the United States this summer. Three years ago, Pakistan was a safe transit point for terrorists. Now their government is working with the United States to find terrorists in the region.

Senate begins hearings on 9/11 report

The Senate Committee on Governmental Affairs began hearings on the 9/11 Commission Report. The Commission's Co-Chairs, Former New Jersey Governor Thomas Kean and Former Congressman Lee Hamilton, testified that the structural recommendations of the report must be taken seriously if we are to shore up our nation's defenses. The hearing is the first of many that will occur during the month of August and into the fall. Among the top recommendations made in the report is the creation of a single counter terrorism agency.

France blocks NATO force to train Iraqi security forces

The United States continued to seek ways to overcome French opposition to sending a NATO force to Iraq in order to train Iraqi security forces. The debate underscores the differences between the two nations on how best to rebuild Iraq. The conflict comes as the Iraqi National Conference is set to begin on Saturday. The conference for 1,000 delegates will convene to choose an interim national assembly that will oversee elections. In addition to opposing NATO support in Iraq, the French government has opposed major human rights efforts worldwide, including those in Sudan, Western Sahara, and Mexico.

Editor: New York Times is a liberal newspaper

Daniel Okrent, the Public Editor at the New York Times, wrote in his column this week that the paper for which he works is a liberal newspaper. While this is not in and of itself a problem, he says, it has affected the paper's editorial decisions and led it to overlook "the other side" of key cultural issues like abortion, gay marriage, gun rights, environmental regulations, and others.

Quote of the Week

"It's important to note the leaders of Iraq are very courageous, they put themselves at risk every day. We have to make sure that these insurgents understand that we will not be deterred."

• Secretary of State Colin Powell, 7/30/2004, during a visit to Baghdad to meet with Iraqi leaders. Secretary Powell is working with Saudi Arabia to organize a military force from Arab nations to assist Coalition troops working to hunt down terrorists in Iraq.