make sure they know where you stand on social security, medicare, medicaid and jobs. >> thank you very much. >> this cdc members are only part of your presentation. two senators and republicans and other republicans we deal with every day. make sure when you organize you let them know what you stand for and what you want them to vote for on your behalf. the second thing is across the country these voter ids are going on. in church organizations, i am assuming georgia has of voter id. make sure you start today to make sure everyone has a valid voter id so they can vote. 18% of seniors do not have a id that qualifies them to vote.

11% of african-americans and hispanics but seniors, please start today to make sure everyone in our community has adequate id for voting. >> can i echo things that have already been said? are will move down list. get engaged. you have to bring friends and family to places where you can get it. church and pta meetings and the last thing which we don't talk about much is we have to raise the level of expectations on our children. we have to do a better job holding family members accountable and i will tell you what an old lady told me. i am not worried about osama bin laden terrorizing my neighborhood. it has been us terrorizing my neighborhood.

we have to hold our friends and brothers accountable. we know what they are doing and at some point we have to say enough is enough and we need to set higher expectations and get frustrated so we can make sure the generation coming up now has the opportunity i had when i was coming up. >> thank you very much. the second part of your question is what do we recommend as far as getting a job? don't think you are above any job. i worked at mcdonald's and a and the market, 24 hour shifts. at worked two jobs for ten years to get where i am today. do what you have got to do to get your foot in the door and from there you will have the experience to get it. >> thank you very much. keep the round of applause going for all the members who came out today at atlanta technical college to host this event. stand-up. it is worthy. thank you to all of you for coming out. this is very important that we engage these members of

congress. it is not often you have face-to-face with your member of congress and others. thanks for coming out tonight. that was an important point at an end. be sure to vote and participate. have a good night. >> dr. martin luther king was not a president of the united states. at no time did he hold public office. he is not a hero of foreign wars and never had much money. while he lived he was reviled at least as much as he was celebrated. by his own account he was a man frequently wracked with doubt. man not without flaws. a man who like moses before him, more than once questioned why he had been chosen for so arduous

task, leading the people to freedom. healing the festering wounds of a nation's original sin. >> watch the groundbreaking of the martin luther king jr. memorial at the c-span video library. now five years later the memorial will be dedicated in washington d.c. this and they live on c-span and during the week we will have coverage of other events surrounding the dedication on the c-span networks. [bell ringing] >> notice the color of the

bourbon. debt pretty amber color is coming from the inside of the barrel. this chart is where bourbon gets all of its color and a lot of its flavor. they discovered over 200 flavors coming from the barrel. >> this weekend we highlight frankfurt, kentucky on booktv and american history tv. look for the history and literary life of kentucky state capital. on booktv on c-span2, violence and corruption and urban renewal. douglas boyd on crawfish bottom. and on american history tv on c-span3 a visit to buffalo distillery. one of four distilleries in operation during prohibition for

medicinal purposes. the first two state houses burned to the ground. stop by the third. the old state capital. booktv and american history tv in frankfurt, kentucky this weekend on c-span2 and 3. >> the committee is reading testimony on the extent of radicalization of the american muslim community to investigate that committee's response. the chair wishes to remind all guests demonstrations from the audience including the use of signs and placards as well as verbal outbursts of violation of rules of the house and the chair wishes to thank our guests for their cooperation and maintain

order and proper decorum. in the interest of time we have agreed three member witnesses testify on panel one. mr. thompson -- i ask unanimous consent from congressman don stenberg, barnett and jerlean as a member witnesses not to subject questions from committee members. testifying as one panel. without objection so ordered. i believe the ranking member has unanimous consent. >> yes. i would like to ask unanimous consent that congressman green be allowed to sit. >> without objection so ordered.

at this time i will recognize myself for an opening statement. at the outset let me thank all the witnesses of the member panel who traveled here today. thank you very much for a very valuable and important hearing. today's hearing will be the first in a series of hearings dealing with critical issue of radicalization of muslim americans. i am well aware of the announcement of these hearings generated controversy and opposition. some of this opposition such as my colleague mr. barnett has been measured and thoughtful. other opposition from special interest groups and the media has ranged from disbelief to rage and hysteria. let me make it clear today that i remain convinced that these

hearings must go forward and they will. to back down would be a surrender to political correctness and abdication of our responsibility to protect america from a terrorist attack. despite what passes for conventional wisdom in certain circles there's nothing radical or un-american in holding these hearings. indeed congressional investigation of muslim american radicalization is a logical response to the repeated and urgent warnings the obama administration has been making in recent months. just this past sunday the deputy national security adviser to president obama made a major speech on radicalization stating, quote, al qaeda and its adherents have increasingly turned to another troubling --

attempting to recruit and radicalize people to terrorism in the united states. for long time many in the u.s. thought we were immune from this threat. that was false hope and false comfort. this threat is real and it is serious. she went on today to say al qaeda has the express purpose of trying to convince muslim americans to attack their country and attack their fellow americans. high should add my personal conversations with ms. mcdonough, told me to go forward with the hearing and the administration welcomes congressional involvement. similarly in late december attorney-general holder said a growing number of young americans being radicalized and willing to take up arms against our country, quote, keeps him awake at night. two weeks before that the attorney general defended the

fbi sting operation against mohammad mohammad who attempted a terror attack during christmas tree lighting ceremony in portland. the attorney general said he made no apology for this operation. the attorney general, those who characterize the fbi activities do not have their facts straight. one month ago sitting right there secretary janet napolitano said the threat level to date is as high as it has been since september 11th because of increased radicalization in our country. i would ask the audience and the committee -- in the last two years alone these terror plot were blocked by our government. every part of the united states -- affects the entire nation. those in the northeast have more threats but no one is immune from these types of threats. this committee cannot live in

denial which some of us do when they suggest this hearing dilute its focus by investigating threats unrelated to al qaeda. the department of homeland security and this committee were formed in response to the al qaeda attack of september 11th. there is no equivalency of rest between al qaeda and neo-nazi, environmental extremists or other isolated madmen. only al qaeda and its islamists affiliate's are part of an international threat to our nation. by the justice department's own record not one tear related case in the last two years involved neo-nazis, environmental extremists or anti-war groups. i have repeatedly said the overwhelming majority of muslim americans are outstanding americans who make enormous contributions to our country but there are realities.

50% of muslim american men between the age of 18, and 29 would support suicide bombers. this is a segment of the community al qaeda is attempting to recruit. moderate leadership must emerge in the muslim community. as majority and minority staff of senate homeland security committee including in its report erotically was in title violent islamist extremism and homegrown terrorists threat. this report concluded muslim community leaders and religious leaders must play a more visual role in discrediting and providing alternatives to violent islamist ideology. this means responsible muslim american leaders must reject discredit groups such as the committee on islamic american relations. it was named as a co-conspirator

involving the holy land foundation. it was shocking and said the mainstream and media accepted it accusations that this -- as if it were a legitimate organization. thankfully fbi director robert muller ordered them to cease dealings and contact with ciar probably because of this type of -- which is posted by san francisco. i would hope all law enforcement officials follow the lead of the fbi director. al qaeda realizes that the measures we put in place over the last 9 years make it very difficult to launch a large-scale attack against our homeland from outside the country which is why they altered their strategy and using people living legally in the united states. these include new york city subway bomber and u.s. army maj

hassan , and whose father is a witness today and dozens of individuals associated with the somali terrorist organization out of bob --al shaabab. . let me thank the witnesses for giving up their valuable time to be with us today and special thanks to mr. bledsoe. these brave men have endured suffering no one should go through. their courage and spirit will put a human face on the court islamic replicas -- radicalization inflect on good families especially those in the muslim community unless we put aside political correctness and

the fine who are enemy is. as we approach the ten year anniversary of the september 11th attacks we cannot allow the memory of that tragic day to fade away. the days following the attack we were all united in our dedication to fight back against al qaeda and ideology. today we must be fully aware that home run radicalization is part of al qaeda's strategy to continue attacking the united states. al qaeda is actively targeting the american muslim community. today's hearing will address -- it is my privilege to recommend you recognize the distinguished ranking member of the committee, the gentleman from mississippi, bennie thompson. >> thank you, mr. chairman. as we begin today's hearing i want to thank you for agreeing to my request to in

representative dingell and share bac bacca. they will understand the outrage and cooperation between the muslim community and government officials. i want to reiterate my belief, hearing between the linkage of extreme ideology and 5 action gives a broad based examination. yesterday the fbi made an arrest in a recent martin luther king day bombing attempt. news reports identified a suspect as a member of the same white supremacist group that influence the oklahoma city bomber timothy mcveigh. i urge you to hold a hearing examining the homeland security threat posed by anti-government white supremacist groups. as the committee on homeland security, our mission is to examine threats to this nation's

security. a narrow focus that excludes no threats, lacks clarity and may be myopic. our personal experience plays a role in how we see the world. we have all come to this place from somewhere else. as i understand it the chairman's background includes history of a country divided by religion and formed by prolonged and violent struggle. i am from mississippi. my personal history is one in which non-violence was the bedrock principle in the struggle for societal change and political rights. religion played a role in that struggle too. but we are not here in these places now. as members of congress our words transcend this hearing room. we must be vigilant that our words and actions do not

inflame. acknowledgment of obligation to be responsible does not equal political correctness. we must be mindful that this country has conducted two wars. words and actions cannot be used to endanger our soldiers. i hope this hearing will be used as a forum to point out a recent report of the southern poverty law center. last week the southern poverty law center released a chilling report. the number of active hate groups in the united states topples 1,000 for the first time and an anti-government movement expanded dramatically for the second straight year. the southern poverty law center indicates several factors fueled this growth. those factors include resentment over the changing racial demographics of this country, frustration over the lagging economy and mainstreaming of conspiracy theories and other

demonizing propaganda aimed at minorities and the government. particularly troubled that much of the current vitriol is directed toward the president and first lady. in the wake of the gabrielle deferreds --giffords shooting there was a threat made against the life of the president. we live in troubling times. i have heard concerns that today's hearing would soak a climate of fear and distrust in the muslim community. it may also increase the fear and distrust of the muslim community for law enforcement officials, out reach and cooperation may become more difficult. as we consider possible domestic effects of our actions we must also consider possible effects abroad. as i look at the recent uprising in north africa and the middle east i am struck by the fact

that these movements are inspired by secular notions of democracy and freedom. in scores of briefings members of this community are told al qaeda remains a recruiting tool and the notion the powers of the west are aligned against the people of the middle east. the u.s. is accused of engaging in a modern day crusade against islam. we cannot give this lie a place to rest. i can not help but wonder how propaganda about this hearing focuses on american muslim communities will be used by those who seek to inspire a new generation of suicide bombers. i yield back. >> i thank the gentleman from mississippi. just remind other members of the committee opening statements may be submitted for the record. i would like to welcome our

first panel, the gentleman from michigan, congressman john dingell. the gentleman from minnesota cheese ellison, keith 11 ellison. your statement will appear in the record. please summarize your statements at this time. it is my privilege to recognize -- to ask chairman dingell to begin. i think your microphone is -- >> thank you. as ranking member, for your courtesy and kindness to me. this is a hearing with great potential and i am hopeful under your leadership and cooperation of members of the committee that good results will have been achieved and there is reason for us to go into this question of

risk to our nation for signed businesses of this particular committee. i am john dingell, member of congress of the fifteenth congressional district. are have gauge in the practice of being the chair of committees for many years and also running new committees. i represent a diverse congressional district of all races, religions and parts of the world society represented. i represent a fine community of muslim americans who are loyal, decent and honorable americans who hold elected office and immigrated to our state from all parts of the middle east. their palestinian, iraqi,

egyptian among others, iranians and come from all parts of the world. power muslim americans are honorable citizens, loyal citizens and their as distressed as we are about what is going on. they're not only ordinary citizens but elected officials, members of state legislature, people who sit on the courts as judges and persons who hold other high offices in our society. there are almost without exception hon. loyal citizens and they are distressed as much as we are about the behavior of al qaeda and other threats to their nation as we are to sharing concerns of what is danger to our nation.

i ran investigative committees for years. i kept a picture of joe mccarthy on the wall so i would know what it was i did not want to look like, to do or to be and this committee going into these matters wisely, carefully and well can achieve the results of alerting the nation to the concern. i thank you and members of the committee to do what i know you are fully intent upon doing and that is to see to it as we go into these matters we do not block the good name or loyalty or raise questions about the decency of arabs, muslims or other americans. there are many principles we could at and say these are real dangers to the nation we love and serve. i want to tell you how much i appreciate your courtesy in permitting me to be here this

morning and i know that you will see to it, mr. chairman and members of the committee, that we address problems we confront in terms of national security in a fair, thoughtful and honorable fashion and i am prepared to lead this high responsibility to you with the assurances of my good wishes and support and the hope that people will understand the purpose of this hearing is finding wrongdoing and danger and risk to the country while at the same time not raising the threats about the loyalty or patriotism of important branches of our society who are as loyal, decent and honorable americans as the people in this room. i thank you for your courtesy. >> thank you, chairman dingell.

i still haven't gotten used to seeing you on my side of the microphone. thank you for your testimony. our next witness is congressman ellison. i know what congressman ellison will say. we have divergent views on this issue but we try to maintain a cordial relationship. when he spoke in december about the possibility of being at the hearing i welcome his request and am pleased to have him here to explain and discuss his version and his analysis of the crisis confronting us. i recognize the gentleman from minnesota, mr ellison. >> thank you, chairman king for allowing me to testify today. the chairman and i do sometimes disagree including on the aspects of this hearing. i appreciate his willingness to engage in this dialogue.

let me thank the ranking member, bennie thompson, for his commitment to homeland security and civil rights for all. it is a challenge to protect security at liberty but bennie thompson needs to strike the right balance. i would like to introduce gillat hamda hamdani, the brother of the first responder who died trying to rescue several americans on 9/11. i would like to make three points. first violent extremism is a serious concern to all americans and the legitimate business of this committee. second, this committee's approach to this particular subject i believe is contrary to the best of american values and threatens -- could potentially. we need increased understanding

engagement with the muslim community in order to keep america safe. let me elaborate on my first point. understanding the roots of domestic terrorism is the legitimate business of the homeland security committee. i share the chairman's concern about violent extremism. the file and radicalization and homegrown terrorism prevention act of 2007 offered by representative jane harman. this was a common-sense approach to studying violent extremism in the united states. after gathering more feedback from the community i expect to introduce a similar bill in the future. i made a presentation sponsored by the center for american progress called strengthening american security, preventing and responding to domestic terrorism. my presentation addressed causes of violent extremism and solutions for prevention and intervention. the safety of families and communities is at stake in our discussion.