APPENDIX MATERIAL SUBMITTED FOR THE HEARING RECORD PREPARED STATEMENT OF THE HONORABLE JOSEPH R. PITTS, A REPRESENTATIVE IN CONGRESS FROM THE STATE OF PENNSYLVANIA Thank you, Mr. Chairman, for convening this important hearing to examine the role of diplomacy in the campaign against terrorism. The new war on terrorism has put the United States under the spotlight of the entire world. Many individuals and world leaders are critical of our nation and are closely watching to see how we respond to the attacks. They are watching our course of action and determining our priorities. Do we care about innocent civilians caught in the middle of the campaign? Do we only care about our own? How do we conduct ourselves as neighbor, friend, and leader in freedom and democracy? Our global diplomacy is vital under these conditions. How the United States conducts itself and the information we share with the world will impact our ability to forge a global and steadfast alliance. We have seen some of the hate and frustration that has been directed at the United States. I cannot help but think that these individuals do not know us and do not understand us, That is why they view us as elite and self-regarding. Those are not the Americans I know. We are nation of heart, of passion and compassion. We are a nation that cares about our fellow man. We recognize that many nations have a history of social and ethnic tensions and that many suffer from lack of economic opportunity. For these reasons, it is essential that the world understand the United States, the people that live here, and the nature of our foreign policy. It is imperative that the world understand that we are a caring nation. Because I believe in the importance of telling the American story, I believe thạt we must recognize the importance of internationally broadcasting American goals and values. We are up against governments and organizations that are voicing another message. The American voice must be heard in defense of the claims against us. Continued funding for international broadcasting is essential in making sure America is heard. The broadcasting programs are a vital part of our foreign policy. They enable us to spread democratic values of freedom as well as present accurate information regarding U.S. foreign policies. These programs play a key role in our interaction with other nations, particularly developing nations. The funding needs to be kept intact for these programs, including academic and business exchanges. People in other nations listen to these radio programs and are affected by them are encouraged by the democracy and freedom that's promoted on the programs. They are impacted by the hope of liberty that many Americans take for granted. While we should critically examine the broadcasting system, we should be careful not to add unnecessary regulations that could hinder these programs. More importantly, we have to recognize that, while diplomacy by means of the media is important, nothing can replace the effectiveness of true relationship building. People to people diplomacy is one of the most valuable means of building relationships and trust. In many of these cultures, personal relationships are of the utmost importance. A friend of mine from a Muslim nation told me the principles of his political party-that true relationships develop when individuals get to know each other. As they get to know one another, they learn to trust each other. And as that trust develops, they are able to begin to cooperate and work together. Only with that trust through relationship does true cooperation follow. So, as we examine United States diplomacy by means of media and public education, lets remember that in this time of crisis we are really seeking to develop more friendship and cooperative efforts. That is the true intention of our diplomatic |