Iraqi Citizens Finally Freed from Saddam’s Oppression

Today, Rep. Joe Wilson (R-S.C.) made the following remarks on the House Floor:"Mr. Speaker, yesterday, three weeks to the day after Operation Iraqi Freedom began, the larger than life statue of Saddam Hussein in Baghdad's Paradise Square was torn down amid celebration by the Iraqi citizens. An event very similar to the crumbling of the Berlin Wall, promoted by President Ronald Reagan, this symbolic gesture signals the downfall of this totalitarian regime. The Iraqi people are certainly entitled to celebrate - 30 years of brutal oppression are finally coming to an end, thanks to the leadership and determination of our President George W. Bush," said Rep. Wilson."I applaud the coalition forces for their courage and a dedication beyond compare. The loss of American lives, though tragic, has been reduced and our mission efficient and effective, as I was encouraged in February when I visited the troops in Kuwait."Our thoughts and prayers are with the families who have suffered losses and our soldiers who continue to fight for the freedom of Iraq and the end of terrorism, which spreads weapons of mass destruction against American citizens. It is our hope that the Iraqi people will be able to use the unique riches of their country to build a new life for themselves, based upon the principles of freedom and liberty. May God bless our troops, and may God bless the newly freed people of Iraq," said Rep. Wilson###