Weekly Columns

More than 238 years ago, brave Americans understood the value of a democracy marked by unique freedoms and liberties for its people. Less than a hundred years later in the midst of a civil war that threatened to dissolve the Union, President Abraham Lincoln again inspired our nation to preserve government “of the people, for the people and by the people.” And we did.

Over the last several months, we have all kept a close watch over the alarming outbreak of the Ebola virus in West Africa. Primarily impacting the countries of Liberia, Sierra Leone and Guinea, our concern is certainly shared with those who have lost loved ones to this disease. As Americans, our first inclination in the midst of suffering is to lend a helping hand and prevent a situation from growing from bad to worse.

As details continue to unfold about the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL), we remain united in the belief that this terrorist group cannot be allowed to further expand or establish an Islamic caliphate. ISIL represents a clear and present danger to the safety and security of the United States. Knowing the violence of which this group is capable, including the brutal murders of two American journalists, the United States and our Allies understand that we must combat this enemy urgently and with resolve.

Journal Record - Congressman Tom Cole

America was built by the hands of innovators and entrepreneurs, and it remains supported by likeminded individuals who desire for America to remain great. Our land is still filled with an abundance of untapped resources and human intellect that, when allowed to flourish, only strengthens our presence and standing in the world. Even in tough economic times, the American brand is in high demand, and our public policy should seek to keep it there.

As we navigate the waters of a still-struggling economy, the impact of potential solutions upon job creators and providers should be carefully considered. Whether in the short-term or long-term, any solutions should obviously help rather than hurt hardworking Americans. When the economic environment allows business owners and workers to thrive, the whole country feels the benefit.

Last week, President Barack Obama addressed the nation and offered his plan for combating the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL). During his speech, the president asked Congress to authorize training of Syrian rebels and recommended further air strikes in the region for diffusing the threat of this dangerous enemy.

Thirteen years ago this week, our nation was devastated when 2,977 innocent lives were prematurely taken during the September 11th terrorist attacks. Our world was shaken and our sense of security was shattered by those who sought to destroy us. The terrible nightmare united us as a country, but it also forced the nation to face the chilling reality that terrorism exists, can reach our own shores and will remain a very real threat in the foreseeable future.

In addition to the growing threat of terrorism due to ISIS influence in Iraq and Syria, there is another volatile situation that must be watched along the Gaza strip. Like ISIS, Hamas is a Sunni Islamist party that has shown its disregard for human life and sole intention to do harm. This has taken form through numerous unprovoked and unwarranted rocket attacks on Israel by Hamas, sometimes despite supposed ceasefire agreements, and use of its own civilians as human shields.