The National Herald: Maggie Goodlander on Heritage, Democracy, and War
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She also addressed the fact that the U.S. House of Representatives is not currently in session, placing responsibility on the Speaker of the House. “We have a Speaker who, unfortunately — and I say this with a heavy heart — appears to be acting in accordance with the will of the President,” she said. Referring to the ongoing war with Iran, Goodlander emphasized that “President Trump has provided no justification for the unilateral initiation of this war against Iran,” adding that “he must be held accountable to Congress, and I will use every means at my disposal to ensure that.” The interview took place in Nashua, New Hampshire, in the context of celebrations marking Greece’s national anniversary. The Interview The National Herald: What brings you here to Nashua? Maggie Goodlander: Today we celebrate March 25. For me, it is an honor — both historic and personal — because we are celebrating 205 years of Greek independence in the city where my family first settled when they came to America. TNH: Where did they come from? Goodlander: From the beautiful village of Abdella in the Pindos mountains of northern Greece. TNH: How do you feel about your Greek-American identity and culture? Goodlander: I feel deeply proud and deeply grateful for the Hellenic heritage that has shaped me and made me who I am. On this day, the model of the Greek Revolution reflects the ideals of the State of New Hampshire. My Greek roots instilled in me a love of freedom and a kind of patriotism that is not easily translated — philotimo — a love of duty, honor, and country. Here in America, our Greek heritage can teach us essential lessons for both the present and the future. TNH: Do we have a democracy today in America? Goodlander: We have a Constitution that is rooted in democracy and in the fundamental principle that animated the Greek Revolution — self-government. TNH: At present, do we have self-government or something else? Goodlander: Here in America, we do have self-government. I am proud to represent this city and my state in Congress, and I will do my duty every day. TNH: How is Congress functioning today? Are you in session? Goodlander: We are not, and that is the decision of the Speaker of the House. If it were up to me, we would be. TNH: Why has Congress allowed this President to weaken its authority? Goodlander: We currently have the narrowest majority in a generation in the House. Unfortunately, the Speaker appears to be serving at the pleasure of the President. We are trying to govern in the minority, and we are doing our duty every day. That is what I will continue to do for as long as I have the honor of representing my constituents in Congress. TNH: How do you feel about this war? Was it necessary? Goodlander: The President has not provided any justification for unilaterally launching this war against Iran. He has not articulated clear objectives beyond the immediate term. Thirteen American patriots have already lost their lives. The President is now expected to request hundreds of billions of dollars to fund this war, in addition to $1.5 trillion for the Department of Defense. I have served in the United States Navy Reserve, and I serve on the House Armed Services Committee. War should only be undertaken as an absolute necessity, with clear objectives and a defined strategy. The President must explain how this will end. TNH: How will the United States exit this war? Goodlander: The President must reopen the Strait of Hormuz, stop the escalation, and prevent a global recession. He must answer to Congress — and I will use every too
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