[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 152 (2006), Part 18] [Extensions of Remarks] [Page 23840] [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]AMBASSADOR JEANE J. KIRKPATRICK ______ HON. PATRICK J. TIBERI of ohio in the house of representatives Friday, December 8, 2006 Mr. TIBERI. Mr. Speaker, I join those who mourn the death of former United Nations Ambassador Jeane J. Kirkpatrick. Ambassador Kirkpatrick was a great American patriot and champion of liberty for those living under Communist or other totalitarian regimes. Like President Reagan, who appointed her to the U.N. post, Ambassador Kirkpatrick was an American original. She became a Republican when she found that the Democratic Party no longer reflected her values, just as Reagan did. She was Reagan's first female cabinet level appointee, and was his point person at the U.N., where she was a brilliant advocate for her country's interests. If Ambassador Kirkpatrick did not originate the phrase ``Blame America First,'' she certainly brought it to the attention of the American people with her use of the words in defending President Reagan's foreign policy at the 1984 Republican convention. She pointed out that Democrats and other critics were quick to place the responsibility for all the world's problems at the feet of their own county. Somehow, Ambassador Kirkpatrick said, they always blame America first. Unfortunately, those words too often still apply today. Ambassador Kirkpatrick deserves a large share of the credit for helping the U.S. win the Cold War. Her efforts brought freedom to many around the globe who otherwise may not have been able to enjoy it. She remained a passionate spokesperson for her country's interests until her death. Her voice has been silenced now, and it will be missed. ____________________