Washington, DC— Congresswoman Diane E. Watson will deliver the weekly Congressional Black Caucus (CBC) “Message to America” radio address this Saturday, November 4, 2006.  Congresswoman Watson discusses the upcoming November 7 elections and encourages all eligible voters to vote.

The CBC “Message to America” is distributed nationwide to the American Urban Radio Network’s (AURN) affiliate stations. It airs on Saturday, November 4, 2006, at 12:06 EST.

Congresswoman Watson will deliver the following remarks:

“Hello, this is Congresswoman Diane Watson from the 33rd Congressional District of Los Angeles, Culver City and Hollywood, California.  As many of you know, next Tuesday, November 7, is the day that Americans will go to the polls to elect a new Congress.  Many of you will also be electing your state’s governor as well as local officials.  I encourage everybody to mark your calendars –  Tuesday, November 7 – and get out and vote.  Each and every one of your votes is crucial, so please vote!

“Many of us believe that it’s time for a new direction in America.  The situation in Iraq continues to worsen.  Health care costs are skyrocketing.  16% of Americans do not have health insurance.  Our nation’s bridges and roads are in need of a major overhaul, and our public schools in the inner cities are in disrepair.

“Americans want good and honest governance.  They want a government that represents all Americans, and they want a government that will level with them on why we are putting our brave young men and women in harm’s way.

“Historically, the United States has been viewed by the rest of the world as a beacon of fairness and truth.  But today a large part of the world no longer sees the U.S. as the shining city on the hill, as the standard bearer of decency, truth, fairness, and justice.  Today a disturbing number of people view the U.S. as a nation that violates human rights and the rule of law in the world. 

“And why?  They saw the prisoner abuse scandal in Iraq and people being detained at Guantanamo indefinitely.  They see and hear stories of illegal wiretaps at home and renditions abroad where terror suspects are taken off the streets, held in secret prisons, and sent to foreign countries whose human rights records are bad.  They read about a United States that has substituted military might for diplomacy.

“This is why so many Americans believe that it's time for a new direction for America, one that will make our nation as strong as its people, one that brings opportunity, security, and prosperity to all Americans, not just a select few. 

“And that’s why it is important to vote on Tuesday, November 7.  Each and every one of your votes will make a difference.  Don’t let anyone tell you otherwise!  And please do not let stories or allegations of voter fraud discourage you from voting.  Some are using stories and allegations of voter fraud to suppress and discourage African Americans and other minorities from voting.  Don’t let this happen!

“Get out and vote on Tuesday, November 7.  Remind your friends and relatives, and bring them with you if they do not have a way of getting to the poll.

“ Remember to vote on November 7.  It’s your fundamental right and one of the most important ways that each and every one of us can participate in the political process.

“This is Congresswoman Diane Watson once again reminding you to get out and vote next Tuesday, November 7.”