Dennis Kucinich

Mr. KUCINICH

Mr. KUCINICH. No question about it, to my good friend Marcy Kaptur. If we dug a little bit deeper, and we saw some patterns that reflected exactly what you have said, the patterns coincide with some cases with African-American neighborhoods because look what happened, for years, people in African-American neighborhoods couldn't get any loans at all. Then what happened, the Community Reinvestment Act passed, and we were supposed to have access to, finally, to credit. But banks found a way to go around that. Instead of offering prime loans to people of color, they came up with these subprime packages, no document, low-document loans, didn't tell people exactly what was going on. As a result, people got in over their heads, and they ended up losing their homes. Now, some people will say well, they should have known. But let me tell you something. One of the most significant challenges in this country is a issue of financial literacy. It's not a color issue, because the fact of the matter is that working-class people are and people who are poor people, often have a problem with the issues of the financial literacy. It's called reading the fine print, looking at the bottom line. So you rely, and you trust people, you think that the banks are going to be fair to you. You think they are going to tell you the whole story. You think that you are going to be given an opportunity to have an even break. Not so, you look at the filings.

Mr. KUCINICH. Exactly. So what they did is they started in African American neighborhoods, but when the subprime financial machine started to churn and Wall Street looked at it as a tremendous opportunity for growth and the hedge funds looked at it as an even greater opportunity for the unregulated massing of capital, then what you had is the reach from the African American communities, which are primarily located in cities, into the suburbs. So you have this foreclosure pattern spreading. We're also seeing increases in high-cost loans and vacant properties in the outer suburbs and, guess what, in the outlying counties where the more recent data is analyzed further. Where previously the phenomenon was in the African American census tracts in eastern Cuyahoga County, we see the problem spreading west of the census tracts where there are larger Hispanic and Arab populations as well as our seeing the problem spreading into every direction it can spread in Cleveland--east, south and now west.

Mr. KUCINICH. That's in a year.

Mr. KUCINICH. Would the gentlelady yield.

Mr. KUCINICH. There has been no accountability here. The Federal Reserve was supposed to be monitoring the practices of the banks. They didn't do that. The Securities and Exchange Commission was supposed to be watching the movement on Wall Street as this juggernaut of subprime loans moved along, and it was supposed to be providing a measure of discipline or regulation. They didn't do that. The Justice Department was supposed to be watching these mergers that were occurring that were really driven by the desire of not just capital formation but by the desire to get their hands on these newly packaged instruments that were beyond the reach of regulators, and the Justice Department didn't do anything. When the hedge funds began to accelerate with the help of the subprime loan packages, no one was thinking that there was a bubble that was growing. All the danger signs were there. The regulators looked the other way. Now, what does this mean? What it means is that somewhere in America there is a family who had a dream for a home, and that dream was the most important dream in their lives, just to have a place they could call their own, and they weren't able to get credit up front for a while. Finally, they went to an institution that said, ``Okay, We'll give you a subprime loan. Here are the terms.'' They accepted those terms. Then they found themselves unable to meet the terms and found they really didn't understand what they were getting into. Then, suddenly, people who had worked their whole lives to have just a little bit of the American dream found it gone in a flash. This is not right. This cannot be what America is about. America can't be a place where it's all about the government's being an engine for accelerating the wealth of America upwards, because that's what it has been about. It has been about that in the financial markets to the detriment of the small investors. It has been about that in the banking industry as we've seen a lot of the smaller banks just destroyed. In the insurance industry, the wealth accelerates to the top and in the utilities industry. You can take every single industry in this country, and the wealth has been accelerated to the top. Essentially, you take what you have without the regulation, and you have the destruction of the American dream. I want to thank my colleague Marcy Kaptur for giving me this brief moment to have this colloquy with her. We're very fortunate to be joined by a woman who has equally been a champion for the people from Los Angeles. Before I leave, I want to once again acknowledge what an honor it has been to work with my dear friend Maxine Waters, who, with Congresswoman Kaptur, came to Cleveland, Ohio, and you heard the testimony of the people from Cleveland. I come from one of America's great cities, and it is getting overrun, not only by the subprime lenders, but by the secondary market that has come up as continuing the predatory conduct. It is going after people who have lost their properties, and it is seeking to drive the properties down further, selling homes for a few hundred dollars even or for under $10,000 if you can imagine that in this day and age. So thank you, Marcy Kaptur. Thank you, Maxine Waters. Let's stay on this because we need to make sure there is justice on behalf of those who aspire to own homes, and we need to help fulfill the American dream for people who work hard and who pay their bills to have the chance to be able to have a piece of that dream without getting cheated by these so-called lending institutions that are all about grabbing whatever money they can, whether they have any scruples or not. So thank you, Marcy Kaptur and Maxine Waters.

Mr. KUCINICH. Would the gentlelady yield.

Mr. KUCINICH. Before I leave here, I just want to make one other point, and this could be the basis of further discussion. Congresswoman Kaptur earlier today mentioned it in a meeting among the Democrats in our meeting. We are looking at a debt-based financial system, at a debt-based monetary system where money equals debt, and we are at the beginning of the end of a democracy when we see this system causing the wealth to go upwards. So I want to thank you for mentioning that. I just wanted to mention that because we really need to look at how money is created. How does it end up that we have so many people in debt and that we have a few who are rolling in dough? This debt-based financial system is something that needs to be explored more thoroughly. The fractional reserve needs to be explored more thoroughly, and the role of the Federal Reserve in facilitating these heists has to be made known. So I thank you, and I appreciate the opportunity to spend some time with you.

Mr. KUCINICH

Mr. KUCINICH. Madam Speaker, I rise today in honor of John M. Hairston and in recognition of his outstanding leadership, vision and dedication to empowering those around him at the NASA Glenn Research Center in Cleveland, Ohio. Mr. Hairston earned his first degree in English from Bluefield State College and later went on to earn his master's degree in Education Administration from Cleveland State University. He also attended the John F. Kennedy School of Public Policy at Harvard University. Prior to working at NASA, Mr. Hairston worked in the Cleveland Metropolitan School District for almost thirty years, where he served as an English teacher, Staff Development Director and Chief of the Community Relations Department. Mr. Hairston's leadership has been vital in the success of the NASA Glenn Research Center. He worked tirelessly to promote scientific literacy and to develop outreach programs that help economically disadvantaged communities and businesses. Mr. Hairston worked within NASA as the Acting Assistant Administrator for the Office of Education. His guidance helped to ensure that NASA's educational programs were effective. Mr. Hairston has worked to make manifest NASA's vision of educating the next generation of explorers by developing criteria to ensure that their programs are effective and that they attract students from all of Cleveland's diverse communities. He succeeded in developing strong partnerships between the NASA Glenn Research Center and Greater Cleveland Community. Mr. Hairston has been the recipient of numerous awards for his outstanding work at the NASA Glenn Research Center. NASA honored him several times by awarding him with the Exceptional Achievement Medal, the Medal for Outstanding Leadership, and their Education Distinguished Service Award. He has also been the recipient of the Presidential Rank Award and the Leadership Cleveland Civic Volunteer of the Year award. Madam Speaker and colleagues, please join me in honor of John M. Hairston and in recognition of his outstanding leadership and vision. May his dedication to his work and to the community serve as an example for us all.

Mr. KUCINICH

Mr. KUCINICH. Madam Speaker, I rise today in remembrance of Al Stern, a man who lived his life by the principal of Tikkun Olam, the healing of the world. He dedicated himself to the cause of free speech and to cultivating the seeds of Middle East peace and understanding in the Cleveland community. The roots of his activism began during the Civil Rights Era, when he marched along side Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. He was an activist for the Congress on Racial Equality, the Committee for Sane Nuclear Policy, and was an activist against the Vietnam War and for women's reproductive rights. In 1974 when helped found the Cleveland chapter of Americans for Peace Now, a solidarity organization aligned with the Shalom Achshav movement in Israel formed out of the conviction that Israel's democratic character and future security were intertwined with achieving a just and peaceful solution to the Palestinian-Israeli conflict. Al Stern advocated for mutual understanding and a two state solution long before it was widely accepted. For twenty years he engaged with and educated the Cleveland community about the costs of the current conflict and the opportunities for peaceful solutions. His work took him all over the world, where he met with the people and leaders in Israel, Syria, Egypt and Gaza. He led by example through his own commitment to educating himself and reaching out to concerned members of the community. After stepping down from his position on the board of Americans for Peace Now in 1993, he became a full time volunteer for the American Civil Liberties Union. I have had the privilege of hearing Mr. Stern speak on free speech and civil liberties issues. He and I have worked closely together in an effort to build bridges across the gaps that divide people in the Middle East and in Cleveland. Madam Speaker and colleagues, please join me in remembrance of Al Stern, who has served as an inspiration for engaged, global citizenship. May his legacy of advocating for civil liberties and cultivating Middle East Peace be an example for all of us to follow.

Mr. KUCINICH

Mr. KUCINICH. Madam Speaker, I rise today in recognition of a ``Concrete Breaking'' celebration at the confluence of West Creek and the Cuyahoga River in the city of Independence in Ohio's 10th Congressional District. The West Creek--Cuyahoga River Confluence Restoration Project implements the vision expressed in both the city of Independence Master Plan and West Creek Watershed Plan by restoring a 10-acre vacant industrial site where West Creek meets the Cuyahoga River in Independence, Ohio. The property currently contains approximately 85% impervious surface, contributing significant non-point source pollution which flows directly into West Creek and the Cuyahoga. The property and this entire area have flooded repeatedly during recent storm events and is at the center of a U.S. Army Corps of Engineers' Section 205 study to find the best way to mitigate flood damage. The restoration includes plans for its future use as a public riverfront park with the added benefits of ecological habitat restoration and storm water management best practices. On Friday July 11, 2008, Independence Mayor Gregory Kurtz, in collaboration with the Northeast Ohio Regional Sewer District, the Trust for Public Land, the George Gund Foundation, the Natural Resources Assistance Council of Cuyahoga County, the Clean Ohio Fund, the Ohio Environmental Protection Agency, the Ohio Department of Transportation and other partners, will begin the demolition of the industrial buildings to begin the restoration. When completed, West Creek will return to its original meandering flow into the Cuyahoga River with natural wetlands to reduce upstream flooding, clean local drinking water, and restored wildlife habitats. The new park will connect the West Creek Greenway to the Ohio and Erie Canal Towpath Trail, provide new access to the creek and river for all, and lead to economic revitalization of this part of the city of Independence. This project will contribute greatly to the continuing restoration of the Cuyahoga River, one of the 14 federally designated American Heritage Rivers. The benefits of the West Creek Confluence Project are numerous. Locally, it will reclaim underutilized industrial property, create a new and dynamic recreation area along the National Scenic Byway, restore a more natural hydrology to Lower West Creek, create an area for urban ecology to flourish, retain and filter storm water which will mitigate the effects of flooding, and reduce non-point source pollution entering into West Creek and the Cuyahoga River. From a regional perspective, the West Creek Confluence Project will work to herald in a new era of sustainable redevelopment within the Lower Cuyahoga River Valley, capitalizing on recreational and commercial uses that still allow for a functioning floodplain with a high degree of ecological diversity, flood storage and habitat connectivity. Madam Speaker and colleagues, please join me in recognizing the beauty and regional ecologic importance of the West Creek Confluence and the pivotal project now underway to ensure it returns to its former natural prominence.

Mr. KUCINICH

Mr. KUCINICH. Madam Speaker, pursuant to clause 2, rule IX, I hereby give notice of my intention to raise a question of the privileges of the House. The form of the resolution is as follows: An Article of Impeachment of President George W. Bush Resolved, that President George W. Bush be impeached for high crimes and misdemeanors, and that the following Article of Impeachment be exhibited to the United States Senate: An Article of Impeachment exhibited by the House of Representatives of the United States of America in the name of itself and the people of the United States of America, in maintenance and support of its impeachment against President George W. Bush for high crimes and misdemeanors. Article One--Deceiving Congress with Fabricated Threats of Iraq WMDs to Fraudulently Obtain Support for an Authorization of the Use of Military Force Against Iraq In his conduct while President of the United States, George W. Bush, in violation of his constitutional oath to faithfully execute the Office of President of the United States, and to the best of his ability, preserve, protect, and defend the Constitution of the United States, and in violation of his constitutional duty under article II, section 3 of the Constitution ``to take care that the laws be faithfully executed,'' deceived Congress with fabricated threats of Iraq Weapons of Mass Destruction to fraudulently obtain support for an authorization for the use of force against Iraq and used that fraudulently obtained authorization, then acting in his capacity under article II, section 2 of the Constitution as Commander in Chief, to commit U.S. troops to combat in Iraq. To gain congressional support for the passage of the Joint Resolution to Authorize the Use of United States Armed Forces Against Iraq, the President made the following material representations to the Congress in S.J. Res. 45: 1. That Iraq was ``continuing to possess and develop a significant chemical and biological weapons capability. . . .'' 2. That Iraq was ``actively seeking a nuclear weapons capability. . . .'' 3. That Iraq was ``continuing to threaten the national security interests of the United States and international peace and security.'' 4. That Iraq has demonstrated a ``willingness to attack, the United States. . . .'' 5. That ``members of al Qaeda, an organization bearing responsibility for attacks on the United States, its citizens and interests, including the attacks that occurred on September 11, 2001, are known to be in Iraq. . . .'' 6. The ``attacks on the United States of September 11, 2001, underscored the gravity of the threat that Iraq will transfer weapons of mass destruction to international terrorist organizations. . . .'' 7. That Iraq ``will either employ those weapons to launch a surprise attack against the United States or its Armed Forces or provide them to international terrorists who would do so. . . .'' 8. That an ``extreme magnitude of harm that would result to the United States and its citizens from such an attack. . . .'' 9. That the aforementioned threats ``justify action by the United States to defend itself. . . .'' 10. The enactment clause of section 2 of S.J. Res. 45, the Authorization of the Use of the United States Armed Forces authorizes the President to ``defend the national security interests of the United States against the threat posed by Iraq. . . .'' Each consequential representation made by the President to the Congress in S.J. Res. 45 in subsequent iterations and the final version was unsupported by evidence which was in the control of the White House. To wit: 1. Iraq was not ``continuing to possess and develop a significant chemical and biological weapons capability . . . '' ``A substantial amount of Iraq's chemical warfare agents, precursors, munitions and production equipment were destroyed between 1991 and 1998 as a result of Operation Desert Storm and United Nations Special Commission (UNSCOM) actions. There is no reliable information on whether Iraq is producing and stockpiling chemical weapons or whether Iraq has or will establish its chemical warfare agent production facilities.'' The source of this information is the Defense Intelligence Agency, a report called, ``Iraq--Key WMD Facilities--An Operational Support Study,'' September 2002. ``Statements by the President and Vice President prior to the October 2002 National Intelligence Estimate regarding Iraq's chemical weapons production capability and activities did not reflect the intelligence community's uncertainties as to whether such production was ongoing.'' The source of this information is the Senate Select Committee on Intelligence, a report entitled ``Report on Whether Public Statements Regarding Iraq By U.S. Government Officials Were Substantiated By Intelligence Information.'' June 5, 2008. ``In April and early May 2003, military forces found mobile trailers in Iraq. Although intelligence experts disputed the purpose of the trailers, administration officials repeatedly asserted that they were mobile biological weapons laboratories. In total, President Bush, Vice President Cheney, Secretary Rumsfeld, Secretary Powell, and National Security Advisor Rice made 34 misleading statements about the trailers in 27 separate public appearances. Shortly after the mobile trailers were found, the Central Intelligence Agency and the Defense Intelligence Agency issued an unclassified white paper evaluating the trailers. The white paper was released without coordination with other members of the intelligence community, however. It was later disclosed that engineers from the Defense Intelligence Agency who examined the trailers concluded that they were most likely used to produce hydrogen for artillery weather balloons. A former senior intelligence official reported that `only one of 15 intelligence analysts assembled from three agencies to discuss the issue in June endorsed the white paper conclusion.''' The source of this information is the House Committee on Government Reform, minority staff, ``Iraq on the Record: Bush Administration's Public Statements about Chemical and Biological Weapons.'' March 16, 2004. Former chief of CIA covert operations in Europe, Tyler Drumheller, has said that the CIA had credible sources discounting weapons of mass destruction claims, including the primary source of biological weapons claims, an informant who the Germans code-named ``Curveball'' whom the Germans had informed the Bush administration was a likely fabricator of information including that concerning the Niger yellowcake forgery. Two other former CIA officers confirmed Drumheller's account to Sidney Blumenthal who reported the story at Salon.com on September 6, 2007, which in fact is the media source of this information. ``In practical terms, with the destruction of the al Hakam facility, Iraq abandoned its ambition to obtain advanced biological weapons quickly. The Iraq Survey Group (ISG) found no direct evidence that Iraq, after 1996, had plans for a new biological weapons program or was conducting biological weapons-specific work for military purposes. Indeed, from the mid-1990s, despite evidence of continuing interest in nuclear and chemical weapons, there appears to be a complete absence of discussion or even interest in biological weapons at the Presidential level. In spite of exhaustive investigation, the Iraq Survey Group found no evidence that Iraq possessed, or was developing, biological weapon agent production systems mounted on road vehicles or railway wagons. The Iraq Survey Group harbors severe doubts about the source's credibility in regards to the breakout program.'' That's a direct quote from the ``Comprehensive Report of the Special Advisor to the Director of Central Intelligence on Iraq's WMD,'' commonly known as the Duelfer report by Charles Duelfer. ``While a small number of old, abandoned chemical munitions have been discovered, the Iraq Survey Group judges that Iraq unilaterally destroyed its undeclared chemical weapons stockpile in 1991. There are no credible indications that Baghdad resumed production of chemical munitions thereafter, a policy the Iraq Survey Group attributes to Baghdad's desire to see sanctions lifted, or rendered ineffectual, or its fear of force against it should WMD be discovered.'' The source of this information, the ``Comprehensive Report of the Special Advisor to the Director of Central Intelligence on Iraq's WMD,'' Charles Duelfer. 2. Iraq was not ``actively seeking a nuclear weapons capability.'' The key finding of the Iraq Survey Group's report to the Director of Central Intelligence found that ``Iraq's ability to reconstitute a nuclear weapons program progressively decayed after that date. Saddam Husayn (sic) ended the nuclear program in 1991 following the Gulf War. Iraq Survey Group found no evidence to suggest concerted efforts to restart the program.'' The source of this information, the ``Comprehensive Report of the Special Advisor to the Director of Central Intelligence on Iraq's WMD,'' Charles Duelfer. Claims that Iraq was purchasing uranium from Niger were not supported by the State Department's Bureau of Intelligence and Research in the National Intelligence Estimate of October 2002. The CIA had warned the British Government not to claim Iraq was purchasing uranium from Niger prior to the British statement that was later cited by President Bush, this according to George Tenet of the Central Intelligence Agency on July 11, 2003. Mohamed ElBaradei, the Director General of the International Atomic Energy Agency, in a ``Statement to the United Nations Security Council on The Status of Nuclear Inspections in Iraq: An Update'' on March 7, 2003, said as follows: ``One, there is no indication of resumed nuclear activities in those buildings that were identified through the use of satellite imagery as being reconstructed or newly erected since 1998, nor any indication of nuclear-related prohibited activities at any inspected sites. Second, there is no indication that Iraq has attempted to import uranium since 1990. Three, there is no indication that Iraq has attempted to import aluminum tubes for use in centrifuge enrichment. Moreover, even had Iraq pursued such a plan, it would have been--it would have encountered practical difficulties in manufacturing centrifuges out of the aluminum tubes in question. Fourthly, although we are still reviewing issues related to magnets and magnet production, there is no indication to date that Iraq imported magnets for use in a centrifuge enrichment program. As I stated above, the IAEA (International Atomic Energy Agency) will naturally continue to further scrutinize and investigate all of the above issues.'' 3. Iraq was not ``continuing to threaten the national security interests of the United States.'' ``Let me be clear: analysts differed on several important aspects of [Iraq's biological, chemical, and nuclear] programs and those debates were spelled out in the Estimate. They never said there was an `imminent' threat.'' George Tenet, who was Director of the CIA, said this in Prepared Remarks for Delivery at Georgetown University on February 5, 2004. ``We have been able to keep weapons from going into Iraq. We have been able to keep the sanctions in place to the extent that items that might support weapons of mass destruction have had some controls on them. It's been quite a success for 10 years.'' The source of this statement, Colin Powell, Secretary of State, in an interview with Face the Nation, February 11, 2001. On July 23, 2002, a communication from the Private Secretary to Prime Minister Tony Blair, ``Memo to British Ambassador David Manning'' reads as follows: ``British Secret Intelligence Service Chief Sir Richard Billing Dearlove reported on his recent talks in Washington. There was a perceptible shift in attitude. Military action was now seen as inevitable. Bush wanted to remove Saddam through military action, justified by the conjunction of terrorism and WMD. But the intelligence and facts were being fixed around the policy. The NSC had no patience with the U.N. route and no enthusiasm for publishing material on the Iraqi regime's record. There was little discussion in Washington of the aftermath after military action. The Foreign Secretary said he would discuss this with Colin Powell this week. It seemed clear that Bush had made up his mind to take military action, even if the timing was not yet decided. But the case was thin. Saddam Hussein was not threatening his neighbors, and his WMD capability was less than that of Libya, North Korea or Iran. We should work up a plan for an ultimatum to Saddam to allow back in the U.N. weapons inspectors. This would also help with the legal justification for the use of force.'' 4. Iraq did not have the ``willingness to attack, the United States.'' ``The fact of the matter is that both baskets, the U.N. basket and what we and other allies have been doing in the region, have succeeded in containing Saddam Hussein and his ambitions. His forces are about one-third their original size. They really don't possess the capability to attack their neighbors the way they did 10 years ago.'' The source of this quote, Colin Powell, Secretary of State, in a transcript of remarks made to German Foreign Minister Joschka Fischer in February 2001. The October 2002 National Intelligence Estimate concluded that ``Baghdad for now appears to be drawing a line short of conducting terrorist attacks with conventional or chemical or biological weapons against the United States, fearing that exposure of Iraqi involvement would provide Washington a stronger case for making war.'' 5. Iraq had no connection with the attacks of 9/11 or with al Qaeda's role in 9/11. ``The report of the Senate Select Committee on Intelligence documents significant instances in which the administration went beyond what the intelligence community knew or believed in making public claims, most notably on the false assertion that Iraq and al Qaeda had an operational partnership and joint involvement in carrying out the attacks of September 11.'' This is a quote from Senator John D. Rockefeller, IV, the chairman of the Senate Select Committee on Intelligence entitled ``Additional Views of Chairman John D. Rockefeller, IV'' on page 90. Continuing from Senator Rockefeller: ``The President and his advisors undertook a relentless public campaign in the aftermath of the attacks to use the war against al Qaeda as a justification for overthrowing Saddam Hussein. Representing to the American people that the two had an operational partnership and posed a single, indistinguishable threat was fundamentally misleading and led the Nation to war on false premises.'' Senator Rockefeller. Richard Clarke, a National Security Advisor, in a memo of September 18, 2001 titled ``Survey of Intelligence Information on Any Iraq Involvement in the September 11 Attacks'' found no ``compelling case'' that Iraq had either planned or perpetrated the attacks, and that there was no confirmed reporting on Saddam cooperating with bin Laden on unconventional weapons. On September 17, 2003, President Bush said: ``No, we've got no evidence that Saddam Hussein was involved with September 11. What the Vice President said was is that he (Saddam) has been involved with al Qaeda.'' On June 16, 2004, a staff report from the 9/11 Commission stated: ``There have been reports that contacts between Iraq and al Qaeda also occurred after bin Laden had returned to Afghanistan in 1996, but they do not appear to have resulted in a collaborative relationship. Two senior bin Laden associates have adamantly denied that any ties existed between al Qaeda and Iraq. We have no credible evidence that Iraq and al Qaeda cooperated on attacks against the United States.'' ``Intelligence provided by former Undersecretary of Defense Douglas J. Feith to buttress the White House case for invading Iraq included `reporting of dubious quality or reliability' that supported the political views of senior administration officials rather than the conclusions of the intelligence community, this according to a report by the Pentagon Inspector General. ``Feith's office `was predisposed to finding a significant relationship between Iraq and al Qaeda,' according to portions of the report released by Senator Carl Levin. The Inspector General described Feith's activities as `an alternative intelligence assessment process.' '' The source of this information is a report in the Washington Post dated February 9, 2007, page A-1, an article by Walter Pincus and Jeffrey Smith entitled ``Official's Key Report on Iraq is Faulted, `Dubious' Intelligence Fueled Push for War.'' 6. Iraq possessed no weapons of mass destruction to transfer to anyone. Iraq possessed no weapons of mass destruction to transfer. Furthermore, available intelligence information found that the Iraq regime would probably only transfer weapons of mass destruction to terrorist organizations if under threat of attack by the United States. According to information in the October 2002 National Intelligence Estimate (NIE) on Iraq that was available to the administration at the time that they were seeking congressional support for the authorization of use of force against Iraq, the Iraq regime would probably only transfer weapons to a terrorist organization if ``sufficiently desperate'' because it feared that ``an attack that threatened the survival of the regime were imminent or unavoidable.'' ``The Iraqi Intelligence Service (IIS) probably has been directed to conduct clandestine attacks against the United States and Allied interests in the Middle East in the event the United States takes action against Iraq. The IIS probably would be the primary means by which Iraq would attempt to conduct any chemical and biological weapon attacks on the U.S. homeland, although we have no specific intelligence information that Saddam's regime has directed attacks against U.S. territory.'' 7. Iraq had no weapons of mass destruction and therefore had no capability of launching a surprise attack against the United States or its Armed Forces and no capability to provide them to international terrorists who would do so. Iraq possessed no weapons of mass destruction to transfer. Furthermore, available intelligence information found that the Iraq regime would probably only transfer weapons of mass destruction to terrorist organizations if under severe threat of attack by the United States. According to information in the October 2002 National Intelligence Estimate on Iraq that was available to the administration at the time they were seeking congressional support for the authorization of the use of force against Iraq, the Iraqi regime would probably only transfer weapons to a terrorist organization if ``sufficiently desperate'' because it feared that ``an attack that threatened the survival of the regime were imminent or unavoidable.'' That, again, from the October 2002 National Intelligence Estimate on Iraq. ``The Iraqi Intelligence Service probably has been directed to conduct clandestine attacks against U.S. and Allied interests in the Middle East in the event the United States takes action against Iraq. The Iraq Intelligence Service probably would be the primary means by which Iraq would attempt to conduct any chemical or biological weapons attacks on the U.S. homeland, although we have no specific intelligence information that Saddam's regime has directed attacks against U.S. territory.'' As reported in the Washington Post on March 1, 2003, in 1995, Saddam Hussein's son-in-law, Hussein Kamel, had informed U.S. and British intelligence officers that ``all weapons--biological, chemical, missile, nuclear--were destroyed.'' That from the Washington Post, March 1, 2003, page A15, an article entitled ``Iraqi Defector Claimed Arms Were Destroyed By 1995,'' by Colum Lynch. The Defense Intelligence Agency, in a report called ``Iraq--Key WMD Facilities--An Operational Report Study'' in September 2002, said this: ``A substantial amount of Iraq's chemical warfare agents, precursors, munitions and production equipment were destroyed between 1991 and 1998 as a result of Operation Desert Storm and United Nations Special Commission (UNSCOM) actions. There is no reliable information on whether Iraq is producing and stockpiling chemical weapons or whether Iraq has or will establish its chemical warfare agent production facilities.'' 8. There was not a real risk of an ``extreme magnitude of harm that would result to the United States and its citizens from such an attack'' because Iraq had no capability of attacking the United States. Here's what Colin Powell said at the time: ``Containment has been a successful policy, and I think we should make sure that we continue it until such time as Saddam Hussein comes into compliance with the agreements he made at the end of the Gulf War.'' Speaking of Iraq, Secretary of State Powell said, ``Iraq is not threatening America.'' 9. The aforementioned evidence did not ``justify the use of force by the United States to defend itself'' because Iraq did not have weapons of mass destruction, or have the intention or capability of using nonexistent WMDs against the United States. 10. Since there was no threat posed by Iraq to the United States, the enactment clause of the Senate Joint Resolution 45 was predicated on misstatements to Congress. Congress relied on the information provided to it by the President of the United States. Congress provided the President with the authorization to use military force that he requested. As a consequence of the fraudulent representations made to Congress, the United States Armed Forces, under the direction of George Bush as Commander in Chief, pursuant to section 3 of the Authorization for the Use of Force which President Bush requested, invaded Iraq and occupies it to this day, at the cost of 4,116 lives of servicemen and -women, injuries to over 30,000 of our troops, the deaths of over 1 million innocent Iraqi civilians, the destruction of Iraq, and a long-term cost of over $3 trillion. President Bush's misrepresentations to Congress to induce passage of a use of force resolution is subversive of the constitutional system of checks and balances, destructive of Congress' sole prerogative to declare war under article I, section 8 of the Constitution, and is therefore a High Crime. An even greater offense by the President of the United States occurs in his capacity as Commander in Chief, because he knowingly placed the men and women of the United States Armed Forces in harm's way, jeopardizing their lives and their families' future, for reasons that to this date have not been established in fact. In all of these actions and decisions, President George W. Bush has acted in a manner contrary to his trust as President and Commander in Chief, and subversive of constitutional government, to the prejudice of the cause of law and justice and to the manifest injury of the people of the United States and of those members of the Armed Forces who put their lives on the line pursuant to the falsehoods of the President. Wherefore, President George W. Bush, by such conduct, is guilty of an impeachable offense warranting removal from office. Announcement by the Speaker Pro Tempore

Mr. KUCINICH

Mr. KUCINICH. Madam Speaker, I rise today in remembrance and honor of Charles Sebes, a beloved figure in Cleveland area politics and a loving husband, father, and grandfather. This past June we gathered to celebrate Chuck's retirement as Parma Democratic City Ward Leader. Madam Speaker, I rise today in honor and recognition of Charles Sebes, upon the occasion of his retirement after 20 years of service as the Parma Democratic City Ward Leader. His unwavering dedication to the Party, to his community, and to the rights of working men and women is framed by honor and integrity. Chuck has spent hundreds of hours volunteering on numerous political campaigns and causes throughout his life. During the past 30 years, Chuck has taken an active role in organizing the Northern Ohio Labor Day Parade. As Secretary of Parma Southwest Cope, Chuck has chaired the reverse raffle committee for the past 25 years. He has also been the Chairman of Parma's Democratic Steak Roast for 20 years. Chuck's devotion and enthusiasm consistently inspire those around him and has made all of these events successful. During his 22 years of employment with the National Tool Company, Chuck served as President of the United Steel Workers of America, Local 4827. Governor Richard Celeste appointed Chuck to the Ohio Regional Board of Review for Worker's Compensation. In 1991, Martin Vittardi, Clerk of Parma Municipal Court, appointed Chuck to be the Chief Deputy Clerk of Court. His friendship is coveted not only by myself and Marty, but by numerous individuals whose lives have been touched by his energetic spirit, kindness and loyalty. As Chief Deputy and Supervisor, his colleagues and staff know him to be a man who is passionate about all aspects of his life. They respect Chuck for his fairness and for being a man of his word. He believes that patience is a virtue and was reassuring that a task would get done, never hesitating to become part of the solution. They appreciate Chuck for always looking out for their best interest, fighting for what they deserve and for being valued by him. His reputation for being a prankster and for his colorful way of telling a joke is legendary. Chuck is a wise and generous man and he is a true friend to the people in his life. Evelyn, his wife of 52 years, and their wonderful family have sustained Chuck with a lifetime of support. Joe, Jim, Janet and Joyce, have blessed them with seven grandchildren. Chuck and Evelyn's children and grandchildren continue to be their pride and joy.

Mr. KUCINICH

Mr. KUCINICH. Madam Speaker, and colleagues, I rise today in honor and recognition of the Italian Cultural Garden, within which the beautiful and ancient notes of Italian Opera, will be heard in the garden for the first time since 1943. The Italian Cultural Garden was formally opened on October 12, 1930, in honor of the 2,000th anniversary of the birth of the Italian poet, Virgil. Clevelander, business owner and Italian American Philip Garbo led the effort to create the garden. His expertise in the areas of Renaissance art, along with his commitment to keeping his Italian heritage vibrant in Cleveland, is reflected throughout the garden. Visitors to the Italian Cultural Garden are awestruck by the magnificent sandstone towers that mark the entrance. Once inside, exquisite stone walkways and staircases wind through landscapes that meander throughout the two-level garden. On the lower level, a stone wall fountain adds elegance to a reflective courtyard of circular stone. The fountain is flanked on either side by the countenances that highlight Italian brilliance: Giotto, Michelangelo, Petrarca, Verdi, da Vinci and Marconi. Madam Speaker and colleagues, please join me in celebration and recognition of the Cleveland Italian Cultural Garden. On Friday, June 27, 2008, the ancient melodies of Italian opera will once again rise above the falling water, light, flora and stone in the Italian Cultural Garden. The ancient art of opera celebrates the history of Italian culture--a culture that covets and encourages artistic discovery; a culture that understands the significance of historical preservation; and a culture that continues to offer significant contributions to Cleveland, to our country and to the world.

Mr. KUCINICH

Mr. KUCINICH. Madam Speaker, I rise today in remembrance of Helen K. Jones, and in honor of her dedication and leadership in the field of behavioral health and substance abuse treatment in the Greater Cleveland Area. Helen Jones was born in Cleveland, Ohio, where she earned her degree in Social Work from Cleveland State University and her master's degree in Social Service Administration from Case Western Reserve University. Her compassion and advocacy on behalf of others led her to pursue a career in the behavioral health field, where she would emerge as a leader and well-known figure in the Greater Cleveland Area. In her role as President and CEO of Recovery Resources, Inc, a non-profit organization which treats and helps people overcome mental illness and substance abuse addictions, she changed the local system of treating behavioral health problems. In 1988, she began working with Neighborhood Counseling Services until it merged with Recovery Resources, Inc. in 2000, when she was appointed Chief Operating Officer. Under her leadership and advocacy, the budget and staff of Recovery Resources, Inc. increased significantly, making it one of the largest and most successful non-profit corporations in the Greater Cleveland Area and in the state of Ohio. Helen worked alongside many in the Greater Cleveland Community in variety of leadership roles. She worked often with the Cuyahoga County Community Mental Health Board and was past chairwoman of the Mental Health Advocacy Coalition. She also served on the Board of Directors of the National Council on Alcoholism and Drug Dependence, Midtown Cleveland and on the Board of the Beck Center for Arts in Lakewood. Helen was also a member of the National Association of Social Workers and the United Way Council of Agency Executives. She was recognized on numerous occasions for her distinguished leadership in the field of behavioral health. This past May, Helen was one of Crain's Cleveland Business Women of Note honorees and in 2004, was awarded the Woodruff Foundation Prize in recognition of her work in the behavioral health field. Madam Speaker and colleagues, please join me in remembrance of Helen Jones, and in celebration of a life dedicated to serving her community. Let her advocacy on behalf of the welfare of others serve as an inspiration for us all.

Mr. KUCINICH

Mr. KUCINICH. Madam Speaker, I rise today in remembrance and honor of Charles Sebes, a beloved figure in Cleveland area politics and a loving husband, father, and grandfather. This past June we gathered to celebrate Chuck's retirement as Parma Democratic City Ward Leader. Madam Speaker, I rise today in honor and recognition of Charles Sebes, upon the occasion of his retirement after twenty years of service as the Parma Democratic City Ward Leader. His unwavering dedication to the Party, to his community, and to the rights of working men and women is framed by honor and integrity. Chuck has spent hundreds of hours volunteering on numerous political campaigns and causes throughout his life. During the past 30 years, Chuck has taken an active role in organizing the Northern Ohio Labor Day Parade. As Secretary of Parma Southwest Cope, Chuck has chaired the reverse raffle committee for the past twenty-five years. He has also been the Chairman of Parma's Democratic Steak Roast for twenty years. Chuck's devotion and enthusiasm consistently inspire those around him and has made all of these events successful. During his twenty-two years of employment with the National Tool Company, Chuck served as President of the United Steel Workers of America, Local 4827. Governor Richard Celeste appointed Chuck to the Ohio Regional Board of Review for Worker's Compensation. In 1991, Martin Vittardi, Clerk of Parma Municipal Court, appointed Chuck to be the Chief Deputy Clerk of Court. His friendship is coveted not only by myself and Marty, but by numerous individuals whose lives have been touched by his energetic spirit, kindness and loyalty. As Chief Deputy and Supervisor, his colleagues and staff know him to be a man who is passionate about all aspects of his life. They respect Chuck for his fairness and for being a man of his word. He believes that patience is a virtue and was reassuring that a task would get done, never hesitating to become part of the solution. They appreciate Chuck for always looking out for their best interest, fighting for what they deserve and for being valued by him. His reputation for being a prankster and for his colorful way of telling a joke is legendary. Chuck is a wise and generous man, and he is a true friend to the people in his life. Evelyn, his wife of 52 years, and their wonderful family have sustained Chuck with a lifetime of support. Joe, Jim, Janet and Joyce, have blessed them with seven grandchildren. Chuck and Evelyn's children and grandchildren continue to be their pride and joy.

Mr. KUCINICH

Mr. KUCINICH. In March of 2001, when the Bush administration began to have secret meetings with the oil company executives from Exxon, Shell, and BP, spreading maps of Iraqi oil fields on the desk, the price of oil was $23.96 per barrel, and then there were 63 companies in 30 countries, the U.S. not included, competing for oil contracts with Iraq. Today, the price of oil is $135.59 per barrel; the U.S. Army is occupying Iraq, and the first Iraq oil contracts will go without competitive bidding--surprise--to Exxon, Shell, and BP. Iraq has between 200 billion and 300 billion barrels of oil with a market value in the tens of trillions, and our government is trying to force Iraq not only to privatize its oil but to accept a long-term U.S. military presence to guard the oil and to protect the profits of the oil companies while they charge Americans $4 and $5 a gallon and while our troops continue dying. We found the weapons of mass destruction in Iraq. We found the weapons of mass destruction in Iraq, and it is oil. As long as oil companies control our government, Americans will continue to pay, and they will pay with our lives, our fortune, our sacred honor.

Mr. KUCINICH

Mr. KUCINICH. Yesterday, the value of shares on the Lisbon stock market dropped amid rumors of a military attack on Iran's nuclear research facilities. The Bush administration has been mindlessly threatening the use of nuclear bunker busters on Iranian nuclear facilities. The Physicians for Social Responsibility have analyzed the effect of such an attack: ``Within 48 hours, fallout would cover much of Iran, most of Afghanistan, and spread into Pakistan and India. Fallout from the use of a burrowing weapon such as the B61-11 would be worse than from a surface or air-burst weapon due to the extra radioactive dust and debris ejected from the blast site. In the immediate area of the two attacks, our calculations show that, within 48 hours, an estimated 2.6 million people would die; over 10.5 million people would be exposed to significant radiation from fallout.'' Do we really believe the best way to deal with Iran's nuclear facilities is to blow them up? Where are our spiritual values? our moral sensibilities? Is diplomacy more dangerous?

Mr. KUCINICH

Mr. KUCINICH. Madam Speaker, I rise today in honor of Alvin L. Gray, distinguished Case Western Reserve University alumnus, in recognition of his dedication, advocacy, and promotion of leadership in the Jewish Community and in the Greater Cleveland Area. Alvin L. Gray was born in Cleveland, Ohio in 1928, and carries with him a rich history of public service in the Greater Cleveland Area. He received his Bachelors of Arts in Political Science in 1949 and a Bachelors of Legal Letters in 1951 from Case Western Reserve University and was admitted to the Ohio Bar Association the same year. Mr. Gray works tirelessly to promote leadership skills in the Greater Cleveland community and holds several leadership positions in the numerous organizations he dedicates his time to. He currently serves as Director of the American Jewish Joint Distribution Committee and Chairman of the Citizens for the Heights School Levy, is a member of the Cleveland Metropolitan Bar Association, serves as Life Director of the Jewish Family Service Association, and is on the Board of Trustees of both the Hillel House and Jewish Community Center of Cleveland. Mr. Gray co- founded the Cleveland Heights Area Project and served as Vice President of the American Jewish Congress from 1974 to 1986. He also was Honorary President, Vice President and President of the American ORT Foundation, and past President of Jewish Vocational Service. Alvin Gray has been recognized on numerous occasions for his innovative and important work in the Greater Cleveland Area. In 2001, he was inducted into the Cleveland Heights High School Distinguished Alumni Hall of Fame and was awarded the Horace M. Kallen Distinguished Community Service Award from the Jewish American Congress. Mr. Gray was twice awarded the ``Man of the Year'' award, once in 1976 from the American ORT and again in 1986 from the Cleveland ORT. Madam Speaker and colleagues, please join me in honor of Alvin. L. Gray, and in recognition of his outstanding and tireless efforts as a promoter and advocate of leadership in the Jewish Community, as well as for his extensive and diverse service to the Greater Cleveland Community.

Mr. KUCINICH

Mr. KUCINICH. When the leadership of this House said back in October of 2006 that impeachment is off the table, what they did is they set the stage for the administration ignoring the subpoenas of the Congress for information. Once the administration understood that they did not have to comply with the law and that Congress essentially took away the one power that Congress has to compel the administration to respect Congress as a coequal branch of government, once that was taken away, the administration basically just decided it wasn't going to appear in front of Congress to answer questions, they wouldn't produce documents or papers that were relevant to congressional investigations. Congress is a coequal branch of government. It is urgent that we reestablish our coequality, that we create conditions of a check and balance of administrative abuse of power. This isn't a Republican matter, it is not a Democratic matter, it is a matter for our country. We need to have the Congress be strong. We need to hold this administration accountable.

Mr. KUCINICH

Mr. KUCINICH. Madam Speaker, I rise today in honor of St. Paul Lutheran Church in Westlake, Ohio, as they celebrate their one hundred and fiftieth anniversary, and in recognition of the Church's contributions to the community of Westlake, Ohio. St. Paul Lutheran Church, a congregation of the Lutheran Church-- Missouri Synod, was founded on June 13, 1858 by twenty families living in Westlake, Ohio and has a rich history of public service to the community. The congregation grew from ninety-three members to over 2,500 parishioners and 250 students. The original infrastructure of the Church was replaced on December 14, 1974 with a new brick building, which continues to stand to this day. Expansions to the Church included school facilities and a sanctuary expansion. St. Paul Lutheran Church offers preschool through eighth grade education and offers art, vocal and instrumental music, technology, and sports activities. The Church also has a variety of ministries, including youth and educational ministries. The Church has never shied from its responsibility to educate, serve, and walk in concert with their congregation as well as the community as a whole. Madam Speaker and colleagues, please join me in honor of St. Paul Lutheran Church in Westlake, Ohio as they celebrate their one hundred and fiftieth anniversary, and in recognition of the Church's contributions to the community. May St. Paul's devotion to service and faith continue to touch their congregation.

Mr. KUCINICH

Mr. KUCINICH. Under this bill, large corporations and big government can work together to violate the United States Constitution, use massive databases to spy, to wiretap, to invade the privacy of the American people. There's no requirement for the government to seek a warrant for any intercepted communication that includes a U.S. citizen, as long as the program in general is directed towards foreign targets. This Congress must not allow the names of innocent U.S. citizens to be placed on secret intelligence lists. Under this bill, violations of Fourth Amendment rights and blanket wiretaps will be permissible for the next 4 years. Massive and untargeted collection of communications will continue and with the enactment of this bill. Furthermore, it allows the type of surveillance to be applied to all communications entering and exiting the United States. These blanket wiretaps make it impossible to know whose calls are being intercepted by the National Security Agency. Let's stand up for the fourth amendment. Let's remember, when this country was founded Benjamin Franklin said, those who would give up their essential liberties to achieve a measure of security deserve neither. Vote against it.

Mr. KUCINICH

Mr. KUCINICH. Mr. Speaker, I would like to start by thanking Representative Maloney for her dedicated work to ensure 4 weeks of paid parental leave for Federal employees. H.R. 5781 is a significant step forward to ensuring the well-being of our Nation's children and parents. Furthermore, under this bill Federal employees can use up to 8 additional weeks of accrued sick leave in connection with the birth or adoption of a child. Paid parental leave benefits have many beneficial aspects for our workforce. Perhaps the most important aspect of paid parental leave is that it gives parents the ability to take care of the vital needs of their child without incurring the financial hardships associated with unpaid leave. Working families employed by the Federal Government should not have to choose between their child's well-being and their financial stability. Paid parental leave has also been shown to provide increased productivity and employee morale. Additionally, it will have the important effect of helping to recruit and maintain the highest quality workforce. Copious research confirms what common sense tells us: it is important for parents to have time to bond with and attend to the health and development of their children. Our families and communities are better off when parents are able to have this critical time with their children.

Mr. KUCINICH

Mr. KUCINICH. I regret that I'm going to have to oppose this bill. And let's look at the numbers: $161.8 billion for the war it keeps going, a war that we all know now was based on untruths. It keeps going a war that has cost the lives of over 4,000 of our brave men and women, tens of thousands of injuries to our troops and over 1 million innocent Iraqis killed as a result of the war. The costs of the war will run to $3 trillion. And here instead of keeping a commitment that we made back in 2006 to end the war, we're continuing it into the term of the next President, and $161.8 billion of this bill will go for the war. That's actually, of the total bill, 86 percent is going to go for the war, $24.7 billion in domestic spending. How much of this is going for unemployment? Well, $12.5 billion or about half of it over a period of 2 years. How much is going to the veterans? Less than $1 billion over 2 years. So we're using the veterans here and unemployed persons to put forth a war bill that is going to cost $161.8 billion. We have to establish what our priorities should be in this country. Yes. Getting people back to work should be a priority. Imagine if we put $100 billion into that. Yes. Giving veterans better benefits ought to be a priority. Imagine if we put $100 billion into that. But no. We're putting $161 billion into a war that we know is based on untruths. It's time that Congress take back its real authority here. And its real authority under article 1, section 8 is to declare war. This administration led us into a war based on lies. It is time for us to regain our ability to create an effective checks and balances, to reclaim our position as a coequal branch of government. You do not do that by continuing to fund this war. You do it by funding education, health care and job creation. That's what the people in Cleveland, Ohio, want. That is what people want all over this country. I'm voting against this. Announcement by the Speaker Pro Tempore

Mr. KUCINICH

Mr. KUCINICH. Madam Speaker, I rise today in honor and remembrance of Martin P. Zanotti, whose life will forever reflect devotion to family and friends, and service to community and country. Mr. Zanotti's family was central to his life. He was married to his beloved wife, Rose, for 59 years. Together, they lovingly raised their children, Marty, David, Christopher and Mary Beth. He was a doting grandfather to Jacqueline, Rachael, Anthony, Anna, Corey, Courtney, Stephanie, Sarah, Frank, Natalie and Gina; he was a devoted brother to Paul, and a loyal friend to many. Mr. Zanotti contributed greatly to our Nation and to our community. He was a United States veteran, having served during WWII in the U.S. Army Corps. His abiding commitment to his Catholic faith was evidenced by his long-time involvement in St. John Bosco Church, where he was founding member. Above all, Mr. Zanotti was a man who lived his faith. He personified the word ``gentleman'' and was a man of integrity, who treated everyone with kindness and respect. Mr. Zanotti's quiet, yet warm nature and quick smile were at the core of his spirit and nothing made him happier than spending time with his family. Mr. Zanotti attended countless sporting and school events and was there to witness every milestone. He reveled in the achievements of his children and grandchildren, and even most significantly, was their rock of support and encouragement when the chips were down. Behind the scenes, Mr. Zanotti consistently lent his assistance to help anyone in need. Without fanfare or recognition, as soon as Mr. Zanotti learned of an individual or family in need, he reached out to help in any way he could, without hesitation and regardless of whether or not he knew them. Madam Speaker and colleagues, please join me in honoring the life of Martin P. Zanotti, whose spirit, joy for living, service to others and love for his family will live forever in their hearts and memories. I extend my sincere condolences to his family, extended family and numerous friends. Although he will be greatly missed, Mr. Zanotti's legacy of kindness and giving has made our community a much better place, his joyous life and simple acts of kindness will never be forgotten.

Mr. KUCINICH

Mr. KUCINICH. Madam Speaker, I rise today in honor of Judy Martin, and in recognition of her dedication, advocacy, and promotion of community building in the Greater Cleveland Area. Judy Martin is this year's honoree of the Sixth Annual Beauty and Talent Pageant, presented by the Cleveland Joint Elks' Beauty and Talent Committee. Judy, a Cleveland resident for over forty years, has been a tireless advocate of non-violence in the Greater Cleveland Area. Following the tragic death of her son in 1994, she became an activist and supporter of Black on Black Crime, Inc; working with the organization as their Secretary and Treasurer. Judy founded her own organization to support others who have also lost loved ones through violence, Survivors/ Victims of Tragedy, Inc. She was instrumental in creating the Memorial Wall/Wall of Sorrows on display in East Cleveland, obtaining ninety- eight percent of the funds necessary to build the wall. The wall serves as a memorial for all children who have been victims of crime in Cleveland since 1990 and she continues working with the community in creating a Memorial Reflection Garden. Judy Martin is also an advocate of Missing Children and Adults, a member of the Greater Cleveland Million Moms, part of the Brady Campaign to prevent gun violence, and a member of several other organizations including the Cleveland Joint Elks Education Committee, the Pioneer Fez Club, and the Veterans Department. Madam Speaker and colleagues, please join me in honor of Judy Martin for her outstanding and tireless efforts as an advocate of non-violence and promotion of community building in the Greater Cleveland Area, as well as for her extensive and diverse service to many individuals and families who call the Cleveland Area home.