President Obama pays tribute to veterans at Arlington National Cemetary, saying the following:
In this time of war, we gather here mindful that the generations serving today already deserves a place alongside previous generations for the courage they have shown and the sacrifices that they have made.
In an era where so many acted only in pursuit of narrow self-interests, they've chosen the opposite. They chose to serve the cause that is greater than self, many even after they knew they would be sent into harm's way.
For the better part of a decade they have endured tour after tour in distant and difficult places. They have protected us from danger and they have given others the opportunity for a better life.
So, to all of them, to our veterans, to the fallen, and to their families, there is no tribute, no commemoration, no praise that can truly match the magnitude of your service and your sacrifice.
Rep. John Boehner issued the following statement:
This is a particularly somber Veterans Day, as tragedy has focused our attention on the tremendous sacrifices the members of our Armed Forces have made to protect this nation. We honor the memories of the fallen and keep faith with their loved ones, whose quiet courage sets an example for all of us.
One generation of Americans after another has answered the call of duty without fail. These brave men and women call themselves veterans. We call them heroes. Today, we renew our commitment to repaying the debt we owe them knowing we can never fully do so except to cherish the blessings of freedom they have preserved for us and stand with the soldiers, sailors, airmen, and Marines who carry on in their stead.
On the Senate floor, Senator Max Baucus said:
Our fallen heroes fought and died for our great nation and all that it represents. We owe them a debt of gratitude that can never be fully repaid. We must honor their legacies by remembering their sacrifice as we carry on with our lives.
There aren't many things we can be certain of these days, but here are a few.
There is a poll out there that will support every conceivable opinion on any issue. Just pick the one you like, and pretend that it actually holds any significance whatsoever. For example, I love the poll that says 100% of the people writing this column agree with everything in it. And why are polls treated as a news story, when in all probability, they aren't even accurate? And even if by some fluke, the poll is on the money, why should anyone care? If people and politicians base their opinions on polls that are wrong most of the time, that could lead to having positions that are wrong for the country. That's not my opinion, I got it from some poll.
Republicans Will Be Against Everything Democrats Want.
I'm not a betting man, but I wish there was money to be made in guessing how Republicans will vote in Congress. In fact, you just have to bet that they'll say "No" to everything Democrats propose and leave it at that. They're even against things they're for, if a Democrat wants it too. If the Democrats proposed a bill called "The Republicans Are Great Act of 2009", Republicans would still oppose it. I heard that to make it easier on themselves, Republicans had the "Yes" button removed from their voting consoles.
Foreign News Is Foreign to American TV News
When the 20th anniversary of the fall of the Berlin Wall was celebrated this week, you would think that would be a huge story here. World News with Charles Gibson ran the story last on its newscast the day of the anniversary. I guess the fall of Communism pales in comparison to a story about a dog who plays baseball. If it was a dog playing soccer they wouldn't cover it. Soccer is too foreign. Coverage like that is why Americans are so ignorant about other countries. The first time we've ever heard of some countries is when the U.S. goes to war with them. Maybe if the media and all of us followed world news a little more, the U.S. would do a better job of foreign policy. Instead of just being the most informed country about dogs playing baseball.
Not all dogs of course. Just 18%. Or 35%. Or none. Depending on which poll you read.
President Barack Obama, accompanied by first lady Michelle Obama, places a Presidential challenge coin at the memorial for Capt. Russell G. Seager during a memorial service at Fort Hood in Texas.
I want to make sure that the provision that emerges meets that test -- that we are not in some way sneaking in funding for abortions, but, on the other hand, that we're not restricting women's insurance choices.
I have always said that I would put aside partisan wrangling to do the business of the people. My vote tonight was based on my priority of doing what is best for my constituents.
Speaker Nancy Pelosi, with Majority Whip James Clyburn and Rep. George Miller, at a press conference following the passage of the health care reform bill in the house.
It's difficult enough when we lose these brave Americans in battles overseas. It's horrifying that they should come under fire at an Army base on American soil. We will make sure that we get answers to every single question about this horrible incident. ... We are going to stay on this.
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