| Among those who voted yes to Chris Smith's resolution were Texas Republicans Michael Burgess and Sam Johnson.
Twenty-five members of Congress, including Jeb Hensarling--who perhaps didn't feel knowledgable enough about the case to cast a vote--abstained from voting by saying "present" when their names were called. That's understandable.
But it really makes a statement to vote "no" to finding out the truth about a man shot to death in front of his family. Who on earth would vote no to a resolution like that? Pete Sessions voted no, along with Joe Barton, Kay Granger Ralph Hall and Kenny Marchant.
Collusion between British security forces and loyalist terrorists during Northern Ireland's "troubles" has been proved in one investigation after another, most recently in a report by Police Ombudsman, Nuala O'Loan, the result of a three-year inquiry proving collusion between the Special Branch and the UVF. (For more information, see this article from The Guardian, Northern Ireland Police Shielded Loyalist Killers).
It was on the heels of this new report that Congressman Chris Smith (R-NJ) introduced his resolution. Co-sponsors of the bill represent one of the most diverse groups you'll ever find supporting a bill, including Black Congressional Caucus members Sheila Jackson Lee (D-TX) and Donald Payne (D-NJ), who always support civil rights in Northern Ireland. Donald Payne served as an International Observer the same year I did, and Eddie Bernice Johnson has made fact-finding trips to Northern Ireland, and of course she voted yes to finding the truth about Pat Finucane's killers.
I'm sure Congressman Smith described for his colleagues in the House how Pat Finucane was shot dead in his home, in front of his wife and children, as they sat together at the dinner table on a Sunday evening. What kind of person would vote no to a resolution calling on the British government to live up to its commitment -- as part of the Northern Ireland peace process -- to implement a public, independent, judicial inquiry into the murder of courageous human rights attorney and activist, Patrick Finucane?
If you ever have a chance to ask a question of Sessions, Hall, Granger, Barton or Marchant, be sure to ask them what they were thinking when they went against members of their own party to say no to finding the killers of Pat Finucane and putting them to justice. If they didn't know enough about the case, they could have voted "present," but they didn't. They voted no. If they happen to mention how Christian they are, be sure to ask them what part of their faith they drew upon when they voted "no" to supporting this resolution.
For information on Pat Finucane, see this article from BBC: Pat Finucane: A Controversial Killing and visit the Pat Finucane Centre
For more information on the resolution, see the following roll call information:
H CON RES 20, Roll Call 63, 30-Jan-2007 4:17 PM.
BILL TITLE: Calling on the United Kingdom to establish a full, independent , and public judicial inquiry into the murder of Northern Ireland defense attorney Patrick Finucane. Yea: 364, Nay: 34, "present": 25, not voting: 12).
Bill Summary:
"Expresses deepest condolences to the family of Patrick Finucane on his death, commends their steadfast pursuit of justice in his brutal murder, and thanks his wife Geraldine and son Michael for their willingness to testify on this matter before committees of the House of Representatives.
"Supports Administration efforts in seeking full implementation of the Weston Park Agreement and establishment of an independent judicial inquiry into Mr. Finucane's murder.
"Calls on the government of the United Kingdom to: (1) reconsider its position on the matter of an inquiry into Mr. Finucane's murder; (2) amend the Inquiries Act of 2005; and (3) take fully into account objections raised by Judge Cory, U.S. government officials, other governments and international bodies, and Mr. Finucane's family.
"Urges the government of the United Kingdom to establish a full, independent, and public judicial inquiry into Mr. Finucane's murder which would enjoy the support of his family, the people of Northern Ireland, and the international community as recommended by Judge Cory." |
