June 16, 2009 - Congresswoman Jackie Speier (San Francisco/San Mateo
County) gave a one minute address this morning about the common values
of the American and Iranian people.  Her thoughts are with the people of
Iran during this challenging time.  Please see the text of the speech
below. The video can be viewed at  
http://www.speier.house.gov/?sectionid=51&sectiontree=46,51. You can
also see the video at http://www.youtube.com/user/JackieSpeierCA12.

"Madam Speaker, while we often focus on the things that make us
different from other cultures, the recent news out of Iran illustrates
that there are far more things that bind us than divide us.  

Freedom of speech, democracy and a respect for basic fairness are not
uniquely American or "western" values.  They are hard-wired into all of
us, as elemental to the human experience as the need for food, water and
love. 

We will likely have political differences with the government of Iran
for years to come.  Despite this, let us all remember that the Iranian
people are not that different from Americans.  They want their voices to
be heard, just like us.  They want their government to be just, open and
accessible, just like us.  They want their economy to be strong and for
their country to work toward greater peace and understanding around the
world.

Just like us."