Kolbe Comments on 5th Anniversary of 9/11

KOLBE COMMENTS ON 5TH ANNIVERSARY OF 9/11

The following opinion piece appeared in today's Tucson Citizen and below is the article in its entirety.

When asked about the significance of the French Revolution, Chinese premier Zhou Enlai famously replied, "It's still too early to tell." Just five years after September 11, 2001, it may be too early to know just how that day has altered the course of human events. But we have a notion as to how it has changed our attitudes. How we act on those attitudes likely will determine the enduring significance of 9/11.

We no longer think of the U.S. as an invincible fortress. Yet how do we engage an enemy intent on our very destruction? How do we fight Islamic extremism when victory is secured in the minds of millions, not in conventional war?

One way is to help developing countries. Since 9/11, our foreign assistance has become, and must remain, inseparable from our national security. Nearly 3 billion people live on less than $2 a day. Easily treatable diseases kill more than 10 million children a year. When the U.S. fights this, we fulfill a moral imperative and boost our reputation. Nothing attracts more good will.

Our foreign assistance must be a catalyst for democracy and economic growth abroad. It isn't a certain antidote for terrorism. But it wins us allies and support from millions whose prospects and very freedom depend on a strong America. Just as 9/11 compels us to reach out to the poor, we mustn't shun those who come here in hope of a better life.

During the Cold War, the Soviet Union was morally stained by refusing to let people emigrate. Democracies are stained by refusing to let people immigrate, to contribute to their culture and economy, to participate in a free society.

Every Arizonan is passionate about our border. But we learn nothing if 9/11 transforms us into being fearful of what lies beyond our borders. Too many people use terrorism as an excuse to lash out at all immigrants. There is good reason to stop illegal immigrants, but citing "terrorists" is the weakest. The Border Patrol has not been catching terrorists. It has been intercepting workers demanded by our economy. If we allow 9/11 to color our view of illegal immigrants, we will make reasonable reform of our system impossible.

The events of 9/11 were a tragedy but also an opportunity to reaffirm our values as a democracy. The world probably has not changed as much as we feared. And it will not change for the worse, provided we don't let terrorism change who we are.

http://www.house.gov/apps/list/press/az08_kolbe/5thanniv_9_11_2006.html