Bob Barr, June 14, 2002

Since September 11th, neighborhoods, towns and cities, large and small, have been checkered with red, white and blue. The American flag transcends all differences of opinion and reminds us of the struggle for independence, and our common belief in liberty under law. It pays tribute to the valor of our ancestors in their fights for freedom and encourages us all to carry the torch for freedom today.

Like the American flag, the White House is also a symbol of freedom and American values. While it is the temporary home of each President, it is in fact the people's house - a sacred monument symbolizing our commitment to principle and democracy. Yet, when the Clinton Administration vacated this sacred building last year, serious evidence emerged that significant damage had been done to this proud symbol of America. Evidence of vandalism that could not be ignored

Rather than argue back and forth over the extent of the damages, I asked the General Accounting Office (GAO), the investigative arm of Congress, to look into these reports and discover what exactly happened during the presidential transition. Released last week, this report, accompanied by more than 70 pages of detailed accounts by the current Administration, lays out in shocking detail, the utter disrespect with which the people's house was treated by the outgoing Clinton staff. From overturned desks, to broken couches, to smashed glass, to stolen phones, to cut phone lines, and to obscene graffiti on the walls, this symbol of freedom was attacked and disrespected.

Sure, it would have been easy to overlook this. It would have been easy to let "bygones be bygones," as most in Washington are content to do, and ignore the clear violations of law and basic American values. But ignorance is not a substitute for leadership. I was sent to Congress to be an advocate for the citizens I represent - to stand up for what's right and against those bent on diminishing our values and blurring the lines between right and wrong. Leadership isn't about sitting on the sidelines - it's about taking a stand for what is right.

It's easy to become blinded by the power and perks of Washington D.C. It's easy to forget where you've come from, who you represent and what you stand for. That is why I look to our symbols - the flag, the White House and the Bill of Rights - for steady guidance and support. I refuse to become a Washington politician and I will continue to make clear, the difference between right and wrong. The GAO report established irrefutable evidence the difference between disrespect and respect; the difference between Bill Clinton and George W. bush.

Barr represents Georgia's Seventh District. He serves on the House Financial Services, Judiciary, and Government Reform Committees.