Senator Schumer on Death of Osama bin Laden Video - State of Politics

Senator Chuck Schumer on State of Politics blog about death of Obama bin Laden...

Statement of Congressman Gregory W. Meeks on the Capture and Killing of Osama bin Laden

As a New Yorker and as a Member of Congress who visited Ground Zero days after the 9/11 terrorist attack on the World Trade Center, who witnessed the carnage and smelled death and destruction emanating from the ruins, it is difficult to find words that fully express my appreciation of our military personnel and intelligence professionals who brilliantly and successfully accomplished the mission which led to the killing of Osama bin Laden in Abbottabad, Pakistan. The courage, skill, confidence and capability with which they carried out this assignment are magnified by the degree of difficulty involved.

By the same measure, I would like to convey my gratitude to President Barack Obama for his fortitude. Considering how much could have gone wrong and the consequences of failure, one can only imagine how lonely it must have been to take such a decision. Yet, our president discharged the commitment he had repeatedly made to the American people, and above all to the families and friends of the 9/11 victims, with singular fortitude and determination. The nation salutes you, Mr. President, and your entire national security team.

At the same time, I urge my constituents and all Americans to take seriously the president’s caution to remain vigilant. It is especially important at such an extraordinary moment of success to absorb the fact that the struggle against terrorism and extremism continues. There is more to be done. But, as President Obama said, there is nothing that we Americans cannot achieve together as “one nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all.”

Schumer: ‘Thunderous Strike For Justice’ by Elizabeth Benjamin - Capital Tonite

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Senator Charles Schumer’s statement on Osama Bin Laden’s death.

“This is a thunderous strike for justice for the thousands of my fellow New Yorkers — and citizens from all over the world — who were murdered on 9/11. It took close to ten years, but the world’s most wanted terrorist has finally met his deserved fate. New York’s heart is still broken from the tragedy of 9/11, but this at least brings some measure of closure and consolation to the victims and their families.

“This is a massive accomplishment for the countless military and intelligence personnel who have been urgently dedicated to this task for the past decade. Because Bin Laden’s evil dogma has poisoned the minds of so many others, we cannot let up in the war on terror. This successful mission sends a definitive message to those who would test the resolve of the people of the United States of America: do not doubt our resolve; if you do us harm, we will find you, we will mete out justice, and we will prevail.”

Rep. Edolphus 'Ed' Towns’ Statement on the Death of Hope Reichbach

“I am deeply saddened by the tragic news of the death of Hope Reichbach. She certainly was a rising political star with so much talent and a genuine concern for the community she passionately served. More importantly a life with so much promise has been cut short at such a young age. Brooklyn has indeed lost a tremendous gift. My prayers go out to Judge Gustin Reichbach and his family, as well as to the staff of Councilman Steve Levin”.

Congressman Towns' Statement on Geraldine Ferraro

Congressman Ed Towns (D-NY) released the following statement today regarding the passing of Geraldine Ferraro.

“I am deeply saddened by the passing of Congresswoman Geraldine Ferraro, one of America’s great public leaders, on March 26, 2011 after a 12-year battle with multiple myeloma.

“Congresswoman Ferraro preceded me in the House of Representatives and our paths often crossed as Members of the New York delegation. She was a strong American and proud New Yorker. She reminded me of another trailblazer, Congresswoman Shirley Chisholm, my mentor. Both she and Congresswoman Ferraro were pioneers in female politics and epitomized what it meant to be a political force. At a time when many shied away from political challenges, Ferraro stood tall and became first female Vice Presidential candidate for a major American political party.

“Congresswoman Ferraro’s life touched millions, including mine. We cherish her memory and her legacy will be a beacon for other Americans pursuing their dreams. My thoughts and prayers go out to the Ferraro-Zaccaro family.”

Senator Joe Addabbo's Statement on the Late Geraldine Ferraro

NYS Senator Joseph P. Addabbo, Jr. (D-Queens), issued the following statement on the late Geraldine Ferraro:

New York and our nation lost a true credible, dedicated trailblazer when Geraldine Ferraro passed away over the weekend. Her work as a teacher, lawyer, mother, local and national public servant who set new standards, is truly to be admired and honored.

I remember many times witnessing the cooperative efforts and friendship of my father, the late Congressman Joseph P. Addabbo, and Geraldine, as they dealt with issues concerning their communities and the whole country in Washington, D.C.

Italian Americans across the city, state and country should be proud of her accomplishments and rise to global prominence. As a champion of women’s rights, may Geraldine Ferraro continue to serve as an inspiration to many for generations to come.

Geraldine A. Ferraro, First Woman on Major Party Ticket, Dies at 75

RIP Geraldine Ferraro (August 26, 1935 – March 26, 2011)

Geraldine A. Ferraro, the former Queens congresswoman who in 1984 strode onto a podium to accept the Democratic nomination for vice president to take her place in American history as the first woman nominated for national office by a major party, died on Saturday at Massachusetts General Hospital in Boston. She was 75.

The cause was complications from multiple myeloma, a blood cancer that she had battled for 12 years, her family said in a statement.

Statement from NYC Comptroller John Liu on the Passing of Former Vice Presidential Nominee Geraldine Ferraro

City Comptroller John C. Liu stated the following in response to questions about the passing of Former Vice Presidential Nominee Geraldine Ferraro:

“Geraldine Ferraro was an extraordinary New Yorker and American who set new standards of public service and shattered the glass ceiling for women in our nation. All the while, she never forgot her values of fairness and equal opportunity, and never forgot her roots in NYC and Queens. Geraldine Ferraro leaves behind a great legacy.”

Statement by NYC Public Advocate Bill De Blasio on the Passing of Geraldine Ferraro

“I am deeply saddened to learn of Geraldine Ferraro’s passing. Geraldine Ferraro was a true trailblazer who inspired enormous pride among women, Italian-Americans and all New Yorkers. My thoughts and prayers are with the Ferraro family as we all mourn the loss of one of New York’s most inspirational and dedicated public figures.

Statement from Congressman Joe Crowley on the Passing of Geraldine Ferraro

Today, Congressman Joseph Crowley (D-Queens, the Bronx), released the statement below on the passing of Geraldine Ferraro. Crowley is the current Representative of portions of Ferraro’s former district.

“I am deeply saddened by the news of Geraldine Ferraro’s passing. Many pay tribute to her as a trailblazer in American politics, but we in Queens will also remember her as a determined and tireless advocate for our community. An inspiration to us all, Geraldine Ferraro helped pave the way for our daughters to achieve anything they set their minds to. As the Representative of her former district, I am proud to call Geraldine a leader, a mentor, and most importantly, a friend. My thoughts and prayers are with Geraldine’s family and I join the entire country in mourning one of America’s great public servants.”

Statement from Congressman Gregory W. Meeks on the Passing of Geraldine Anne Ferraro Zaccaro

Congressman Gregory W. Meeks (NY-6) released the following statement today in regards to the passing of Geraldine Ferraro Zaccaro:

“All Americans are saddened by the news that Geraldine Ferraro Zaccaro passed away early this morning at the Massachusetts General Hospital. At the age of 75, this fighter for women's rights and social justice finally lost her heroic twelve year struggle against multiple myeloma. As always, she was surrounded by her loving family. A profound appreciation of her life and legacy is in the thoughts of millions of admirers.

“While most Americans associate the name Geraldine Ferraro Zaccaro with being the first woman and first Italian American vice-presidential nominee of a major political party on the 1984 Democratic ticket, her former constituents and indeed all residents of the borough of Queens remember her as an effective member of the House Democratic leadership and a skilled Member of Congress who ably advocated and legislated not only for her congressional district, but also the borough, New York City and New York State. I have the additional honor of having worked with her decades ago in the office of the Queens County District Attorney.

“On behalf of the constituents of the Sixth Congressional District, my wife, Simone, and I extend heartfelt condolences to the Ferraro-Zaccaro family.”

Statement From Former Councilman Eric Gioia On The Passing Of Geraldine Ferraro

"Geraldine Ferraro was the first of her kind and one of a kind. Growing up in Queens I got to know her at my family flower shop and have valued her wisdom and guidance my whole life. To me she was a mentor and a friend, to the nation she was a trailblazer as the first woman to run on a national ticket, to Queens she was our voice in Congress, to her family she was a loving wife and mother and to my two young daughters she is an inspiration that shows they can achieve anything through hard work. New York and the country are better off because of Geraldine Ferraro and she will be truly missed - but never forgotten."