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Lincoln delivers Democratic address Sunday, Sep 25, 2005 By Alison Vekshin Stephens Washington Bureau WASHINGTON -- In a radio address to the nation on Saturday, Sen. Blanche Lincoln, D-Ark., praised the efforts of Arkansans and others who have helped displaced Hurricane Katrina evacuees. "It is clear from the way the people of this nation have responded to those in need that we have chosen to help our neighbors rebuild their lives," Lincoln said. Senate Minority Leader Harry Reid, D-Nev., asked Lincoln to make the speech, which aired Saturday morning on the ABC radio network. Each week, a Democrat is selected to respond to President Bush's weekly radio address. "I'm especially proud of my home state of Arkansas," Lincoln said. "Our faith community and state officials have seamlessly banded together to find housing and services for our Gulf Coast neighbors in a way that respects their dignity." Lincoln said people have opened their homes and donated money and materials to assist the storm victims. An estimated 50,000 Katrina evacuees are being sheltered in Arkansas. "I know this outpouring of support is not limited to my state but can be seen in state after state across our great nation," Lincoln said. "Hurricane Katrina inspired us to value competence, good governance and compassion," she said. "Above all, it has reminded us that we are connected in unique and lasting ways that transcend race and class. In the end, we are all Americans." Lincoln's address came as the nation braced for a second large storm, Hurricane Rita, which was expected to strike Texas and Louisiana. "Living in a democracy, at its core, is about the power to choose," Lincoln said. "We'll be a strong nation because of these hurricanes because we choose to." -- 30 -- |
