Fact
ba
.
se
Senate Floor: SENATE RESOLUTION 54--CONDEMNING THE ESCALATING VIOLENCE, THE GROSS VIOLATION OF HUMAN RIGHTS AND ATTACKS AGAINST CIVILIANS, AND THE ATTEMPT TO OVERTHROW A DEMOCRATICALLY ELECTED GOVERNM
Topics
Entities
Moderation
2 Speakers
Topics
No topics found
Entities
No entities found
Moderation
No moderation found
Speakers
Russ Feingold Russ Feingold said 66 sentences of a total of 94 sentences.
71%
Russ Feingold said 1521 words of a total of 2174 words.
70%
Joe Biden Joe Biden said 28 sentences of a total of 94 sentences.
30%
Joe Biden said 653 words of a total of 2174 words.
31%
Full Transcript
Russ Feingold
Mr. President, I rise today to offer S. Res. 54 with regard to the escalating violence, the gross violation of human rights and attacks against civilians in the West African country of Sierra Leone. I am joined in this effort by my colleagues, Senators Frist, Biden, Jeffords, Wellstone, and Feinstein.
Sentiment
Loughran McDonald (Relative)
-1
Very Negative
Loughran McDonald (Absolute)
-1
Very Negative
Loughran McDonald (Logit)
-1.94591
Harvard-IV (Relative)
0.33333
Somewhat Positive
Harvard-IV (Absolute)
0.33333
Somewhat Positive
Harvard-IV (Logit)
0.61904
VADER
-0.923
Very Negative
Moderation
Harassment
0.1223267638
OpenAI Moderation v1 (007)
Violence
0.1112524187
OpenAI Moderation v1 (007)
Hate
0.0949317531
OpenAI Moderation v1 (007)
Violence > Graphic
0.0618071237
OpenAI Moderation v1 (007)
Harassment > Threatening
0.010122652
OpenAI Moderation v1 (007)
Sexual
0.0015737563
OpenAI Moderation v1 (007)
Hate > Threatening
0.0015455224
OpenAI Moderation v1 (007)
Self-Harm
0.000144795
OpenAI Moderation v1 (007)
Sexual > Minors
6.29286E-5
OpenAI Moderation v1 (007)
Self-Harm > Instructions
1.30023E-5
OpenAI Moderation v1 (007)
Self-Harm > Intent
6.2336E-6
OpenAI Moderation v1 (007)
Topics
Topic:
International Affairs
Score:
93.673
Magnitude:
49
Code:
19
Url:
https://fsc.al/cap-mc#19
Source:
Comparative Agendas
Readability
Flesch-Kincaid Grade
7.4
Flesch-Kincaid Ease
59.6
Gunning-Fog Score
8
Coleman-Liau Index
12
SMOG Index
10
Automated Readability Index
6.1
Dale-Chall Readability Score
7.4
Sprache Readability Score
3.9
Dale-Chall Difficult Word Score
22
Sprache Difficult Word Count
25
Russ Feingold
This resolution expresses in the strongest terms the condemnation of the ongoing atrocities committed by rebel forces in Sierra Leone, including forced amputations, the rape of women and children, the pillaging of farms, and the murder of unarmed civilians. It urges all parties in the brutal violence to cease hostilities and engage in a dialogue to bring about a lasting solution that will support the people of Sierra Leone in their quest for a democratic, prosperous, and reconciled society. It further calls upon the President and the Secretary of State to give high priority to solving the conflict and supporting United Nations efforts to monitor respect for human rights and humanitarian law by all parties to this deplorable situation.
Sentiment
Loughran McDonald (Relative)
-0.4
Negative
Loughran McDonald (Absolute)
-0.4
Negative
Loughran McDonald (Logit)
-0.76214
Harvard-IV (Relative)
0.04
Neutral
Harvard-IV (Absolute)
0.04
Neutral
Harvard-IV (Logit)
0.07696
VADER
-0.511
Very Negative
Moderation
Violence > Graphic
36.5279048681
OpenAI Moderation v1 (007)
Violence
25.2364426851
OpenAI Moderation v1 (007)
Harassment
21.0170686245
OpenAI Moderation v1 (007)
Harassment > Threatening
1.2771008536
OpenAI Moderation v1 (007)
Hate
1.0327650234
OpenAI Moderation v1 (007)
Sexual
0.0279991975
OpenAI Moderation v1 (007)
Hate > Threatening
0.0277665124
OpenAI Moderation v1 (007)
Self-Harm
0.0146848528
OpenAI Moderation v1 (007)
Self-Harm > Intent
0.0025774107
OpenAI Moderation v1 (007)
Sexual > Minors
0.0002664884
OpenAI Moderation v1 (007)
Self-Harm > Instructions
0.0001919834
OpenAI Moderation v1 (007)
Topics
Topic:
International Affairs
Score:
92.739
Magnitude:
119
Code:
19
Url:
https://fsc.al/cap-mc#19
Source:
Comparative Agendas
Readability
Flesch-Kincaid Grade
12
Flesch-Kincaid Ease
15.9
Gunning-Fog Score
19
Coleman-Liau Index
12
SMOG Index
12
Automated Readability Index
12
Dale-Chall Readability Score
8.6
Sprache Readability Score
5
Dale-Chall Difficult Word Score
50
Sprache Difficult Word Count
53
Russ Feingold
Mr. President, since it gained independence in 1961, Sierra Leone has endured a series of military regimes and rebellions in struggles over economic and political power. However, the latest round of violence is unique in the scale and brutality of the attacks On innocent civilians. Let me provide a little history to help set the stage for the current human tragedy faced by the people of Sierra Leone. In May 1997, a group of military officers, the Armed Forces Revolutionary Council (AFRC) seized power. During their nine month tenure, the AFRC joined forces with the armed rebel Revolutionary United Front (RUF) to form a regime characterized by serious human rights abuses and a complete breakdown of the rule of law. In response to this situation, in February 1998 the Economic Community of West African States Monitoring Group (ECOMOG), a Nigerian-led African peacekeeping force that helped restore stability to neighboring Liberia, forced the AFRC/RUF out of power, restoring President Ahmad Kabbah, who had been elected in March 1996 in Sierra Leone's first multi-party elections in almost three decades. Since their ouster, the AFRC/RUF forces have waged an increasingly vicious struggle against the weak Kabbah government. The situation is further complicated by the apparent participation by neighboring governments, Liberia and Burkina Faso, in supporting the rebel forces. Libya, too, has been identified as providing support to the rebels.
Sentiment
Loughran McDonald (Relative)
-0.86667
Very Negative
Loughran McDonald (Absolute)
-0.86667
Very Negative
Loughran McDonald (Logit)
-2.26868
Harvard-IV (Relative)
0
Neutral
Harvard-IV (Absolute)
0
Neutral
Harvard-IV (Logit)
0
VADER
-0.947
Very Negative
Moderation
Violence
47.8115171194
OpenAI Moderation v1 (007)
Violence > Graphic
36.5586519241
OpenAI Moderation v1 (007)
Harassment
0.931803789
OpenAI Moderation v1 (007)
Harassment > Threatening
0.3819200676
OpenAI Moderation v1 (007)
Hate
0.1390600344
OpenAI Moderation v1 (007)
Self-Harm
0.0793113315
OpenAI Moderation v1 (007)
Hate > Threatening
0.0512369967
OpenAI Moderation v1 (007)
Sexual
0.034353981
OpenAI Moderation v1 (007)
Sexual > Minors
0.0062253552
OpenAI Moderation v1 (007)
Self-Harm > Intent
0.0057619607
OpenAI Moderation v1 (007)
Self-Harm > Instructions
0.0003909181
OpenAI Moderation v1 (007)
Topics
Topic:
International Affairs
Score:
82.926
Magnitude:
224
Code:
19
Url:
https://fsc.al/cap-mc#19
Source:
Comparative Agendas
Readability
Flesch-Kincaid Grade
12
Flesch-Kincaid Ease
30.8
Gunning-Fog Score
15.8
Coleman-Liau Index
12
SMOG Index
12
Automated Readability Index
12
Dale-Chall Readability Score
8.3
Sprache Readability Score
5
Dale-Chall Difficult Word Score
105
Sprache Difficult Word Count
94
Russ Feingold
In recognition of the unacceptable state of human rights and the massive humanitarian crisis brought on by the civil war, the United Nations took action in July 1998, when the Security Council established the UN Observer Mission in Sierra Leone (UNOMSIL) for an initial period of six months, until January 1999. UNOMSIL, formed of up to 70 military observers and a small medical unit, was tasked with monitoring the military and security situation in the country, including the disarmament and demobilization of former combatants, and the adherence to international humanitarian law. Unfortunately, a rebel assault on the capital in January forced the evacuation of UNOMSIL to neighboring Guinea.
Sentiment
Loughran McDonald (Relative)
-1
Very Negative
Loughran McDonald (Absolute)
-1
Very Negative
Loughran McDonald (Logit)
-2.3979
Harvard-IV (Relative)
0.17647
Leans Positive
Harvard-IV (Absolute)
0.17647
Leans Positive
Harvard-IV (Logit)
0.33647
VADER
-0.935
Very Negative
Moderation
Sexual
18.6786338687
OpenAI Moderation v1 (007)
Sexual > Minors
11.8187882006
OpenAI Moderation v1 (007)
Violence
6.9238781929
OpenAI Moderation v1 (007)
Harassment
4.2605031282
OpenAI Moderation v1 (007)
Violence > Graphic
0.524261035
OpenAI Moderation v1 (007)
Hate
0.3586799838
OpenAI Moderation v1 (007)
Harassment > Threatening
0.1313212793
OpenAI Moderation v1 (007)
Hate > Threatening
0.0021292337
OpenAI Moderation v1 (007)
Self-Harm > Intent
0.0020039728
OpenAI Moderation v1 (007)
Self-Harm
0.001631647
OpenAI Moderation v1 (007)
Self-Harm > Instructions
0.0003284211
OpenAI Moderation v1 (007)
Topics
Topic:
International Affairs
Score:
84.504
Magnitude:
105
Code:
19
Url:
https://fsc.al/cap-mc#19
Source:
Comparative Agendas
Readability
Flesch-Kincaid Grade
12
Flesch-Kincaid Ease
1.1
Gunning-Fog Score
19
Coleman-Liau Index
12
SMOG Index
12
Automated Readability Index
12
Dale-Chall Readability Score
9.2
Sprache Readability Score
5
Dale-Chall Difficult Word Score
51
Sprache Difficult Word Count
47
Russ Feingold
Mr. President, it is difficult for most of us to comprehend the extent and the brutality of the human crisis in Sierra Leone. The United Nations has estimated that over 400,000 Sierra Leoneans have fled the fighting, either as refugees to neighboring Guinea and Liberia or to camps for the internally displaced. Conditions for both internally displaced persons and refugees are often severe due to a lack of access to camps and poor security conditions.
Sentiment
Loughran McDonald (Relative)
-1
Very Negative
Loughran McDonald (Absolute)
-1
Very Negative
Loughran McDonald (Logit)
-2.3979
Harvard-IV (Relative)
-0.42857
Negative
Harvard-IV (Absolute)
-0.42857
Negative
Harvard-IV (Logit)
-0.8473
VADER
-0.942
Very Negative
Moderation
Violence
0.2204071498
OpenAI Moderation v1 (007)
Harassment
0.1782364445
OpenAI Moderation v1 (007)
Violence > Graphic
0.0712678244
OpenAI Moderation v1 (007)
Harassment > Threatening
0.012877582
OpenAI Moderation v1 (007)
Hate
0.0110765162
OpenAI Moderation v1 (007)
Self-Harm
0.0021185129
OpenAI Moderation v1 (007)
Self-Harm > Intent
0.0014241147
OpenAI Moderation v1 (007)
Sexual
0.0004492379
OpenAI Moderation v1 (007)
Hate > Threatening
0.0003577151
OpenAI Moderation v1 (007)
Self-Harm > Instructions
7.31885E-5
OpenAI Moderation v1 (007)
Sexual > Minors
1.3874E-5
OpenAI Moderation v1 (007)
Topics
Topic:
International Affairs
Score:
92.576
Magnitude:
74
Code:
19
Url:
https://fsc.al/cap-mc#19
Source:
Comparative Agendas
Readability
Flesch-Kincaid Grade
11.7
Flesch-Kincaid Ease
45.1
Gunning-Fog Score
13.9
Coleman-Liau Index
12
SMOG Index
12
Automated Readability Index
10.8
Dale-Chall Readability Score
7.8
Sprache Readability Score
5
Dale-Chall Difficult Word Score
33
Sprache Difficult Word Count
28
Russ Feingold
Mr. President, words cannot adequately describe the horrors that have been waged by the AFRC/RUF forces, which have included some of the most heinous acts ever committed in wartime. Human Rights Watch estimates that thousands of Sierra Leonean civilians have been raped, deliberately mutilated (often by amputation), or killed outright by the AFRC/RUF. In February 1998, these rebel groups launched two loosely organized campaigns of terror, "Operation No Living Thing" and "Operation Pay Yourself," designed to loot, destroy, or kill anything in the path of the combatants. During these campaigns, rebel fighters were encouraged to actively target women and commit sexual violence, including rape. Children, too, have not been spared from the gross violations of human rights committed by both sides to the conflict. The AFRC/RUF has abducted as many as 2,500 children -- probably in the thousands -- for use as laborers, fighters, and in the case of girls, sexual prisoners. They have abducted many children, some as young as eight or ten years old, and turned them into some of the rebels' fiercest fighters.
Sentiment
Loughran McDonald (Relative)
-0.5
Very Negative
Loughran McDonald (Absolute)
-0.5
Very Negative
Loughran McDonald (Logit)
-0.95551
Harvard-IV (Relative)
-0.11111
Leans Negative
Harvard-IV (Absolute)
-0.11111
Leans Negative
Harvard-IV (Logit)
-0.21706
VADER
-0.994
Very Negative
Moderation
Harassment
18.2774692774
OpenAI Moderation v1 (007)
Hate
2.2083967924
OpenAI Moderation v1 (007)
Violence
1.8635200337
OpenAI Moderation v1 (007)
Harassment > Threatening
0.1768453512
OpenAI Moderation v1 (007)
Violence > Graphic
0.1406340394
OpenAI Moderation v1 (007)
Hate > Threatening
0.0150632462
OpenAI Moderation v1 (007)
Sexual
0.0074429925
OpenAI Moderation v1 (007)
Self-Harm
0.0004440744
OpenAI Moderation v1 (007)
Self-Harm > Instructions
0.0002203572
OpenAI Moderation v1 (007)
Sexual > Minors
7.48695E-5
OpenAI Moderation v1 (007)
Self-Harm > Intent
2.58654E-5
OpenAI Moderation v1 (007)
Topics
Topic:
International Affairs
Score:
66.298
Magnitude:
177
Code:
19
Url:
https://fsc.al/cap-mc#19
Source:
Comparative Agendas
Topic:
Defense
Score:
26.313
Magnitude:
177
Code:
16
Url:
https://fsc.al/cap-mc#16
Source:
Comparative Agendas
Readability
Flesch-Kincaid Grade
11.7
Flesch-Kincaid Ease
50.7
Gunning-Fog Score
14.3
Coleman-Liau Index
12
SMOG Index
12
Automated Readability Index
12
Dale-Chall Readability Score
7
Sprache Readability Score
5
Dale-Chall Difficult Word Score
66
Sprache Difficult Word Count
60
Russ Feingold
In December, the Chairman of the UN Security Council's Sierra Leone Sanctions Committee stated that it was hard to find words strong enough to describe the atrocities committed by the rebels. He cited instances where AFRC/RUF forces have cut off body parts with large machetes or burned civilians alive. He estimated that more than 4,000 people had been summarily executed or mutilated, just since April. Given the restrictions on access to a significant portion of the country, these numbers are likely just the tip of the iceberg.
Sentiment
Loughran McDonald (Relative)
-1
Very Negative
Loughran McDonald (Absolute)
-1
Very Negative
Loughran McDonald (Logit)
-1.60944
Harvard-IV (Relative)
0.09091
Neutral
Harvard-IV (Absolute)
0.09091
Neutral
Harvard-IV (Logit)
0.16705
VADER
0.785
Very Positive
Moderation
Violence
1.1822179891
OpenAI Moderation v1 (007)
Violence > Graphic
0.074371486
OpenAI Moderation v1 (007)
Harassment > Threatening
0.0625237648
OpenAI Moderation v1 (007)
Harassment
0.048642527
OpenAI Moderation v1 (007)
Hate
0.0251528283
OpenAI Moderation v1 (007)
Hate > Threatening
0.0046520912
OpenAI Moderation v1 (007)
Sexual
0.002506208
OpenAI Moderation v1 (007)
Sexual > Minors
0.0001753012
OpenAI Moderation v1 (007)
Self-Harm > Instructions
5.03414E-5
OpenAI Moderation v1 (007)
Self-Harm
4.07766E-5
OpenAI Moderation v1 (007)
Self-Harm > Intent
1.79899E-5
OpenAI Moderation v1 (007)
Topics
Topic:
International Affairs
Score:
87.118
Magnitude:
87
Code:
19
Url:
https://fsc.al/cap-mc#19
Source:
Comparative Agendas
Readability
Flesch-Kincaid Grade
12
Flesch-Kincaid Ease
42.6
Gunning-Fog Score
14.3
Coleman-Liau Index
12
SMOG Index
12
Automated Readability Index
12
Dale-Chall Readability Score
6.6
Sprache Readability Score
5
Dale-Chall Difficult Word Score
31
Sprache Difficult Word Count
36
Russ Feingold
The scope of the catastrophe is overwhelming, yet it is even more heart rending when viewed through the lens of the stories of individual experiences. International human rights groups have interviewed hundreds of survivors of the violence, each with a tale of suffering that is incomprehensible to many Americans. One woman described how she was captured, cut with a machete by a child rebel, had her hand amputated, and was left to bury her own hand. A reporter for the "Herald Guardian" reported seeing rebels cut off the foot of a boy and then execute him, with the final words of "You're too tall." Another woman recounted being captured, beaten, raped, and having the backs of her ankles sliced just below the Achilles tendon to ensure that she could not run away. Hundreds of Sierra Leoneans, who have swelled the refugees ranks in border camps in Guinea and Liberia, have similar stories.
Sentiment
Loughran McDonald (Relative)
-1
Very Negative
Loughran McDonald (Absolute)
-1
Very Negative
Loughran McDonald (Logit)
-2.3979
Harvard-IV (Relative)
-0.30435
Somewhat Negative
Harvard-IV (Absolute)
-0.30435
Somewhat Negative
Harvard-IV (Logit)
-0.60077
VADER
-0.907
Very Negative
Moderation
Violence > Graphic
0.0293405261
OpenAI Moderation v1 (007)
Violence
0.0135894486
OpenAI Moderation v1 (007)
Sexual
0.0131025299
OpenAI Moderation v1 (007)
Self-Harm
0.0007988251
OpenAI Moderation v1 (007)
Harassment
0.0007625586
OpenAI Moderation v1 (007)
Harassment > Threatening
0.000558051
OpenAI Moderation v1 (007)
Self-Harm > Intent
0.0002175992
OpenAI Moderation v1 (007)
Sexual > Minors
0.0002040052
OpenAI Moderation v1 (007)
Hate
0.0002031965
OpenAI Moderation v1 (007)
Hate > Threatening
6.38264E-5
OpenAI Moderation v1 (007)
Self-Harm > Instructions
5.52846E-5
OpenAI Moderation v1 (007)
Topics
Topic:
International Affairs
Score:
90.046
Magnitude:
152
Code:
19
Url:
https://fsc.al/cap-mc#19
Source:
Comparative Agendas
Readability
Flesch-Kincaid Grade
12
Flesch-Kincaid Ease
44.8
Gunning-Fog Score
15.4
Coleman-Liau Index
12
SMOG Index
12
Automated Readability Index
12
Dale-Chall Readability Score
6
Sprache Readability Score
5
Dale-Chall Difficult Word Score
46
Sprache Difficult Word Count
51
Russ Feingold
Mr. President, although the bulk of the condemnation must go to the rebel forces of the AFRC and the RUF, the Kabbah government is itself no paragon of liberty and the rule of law. In particular, the Kamajor civilian defense forces affiliated with the Kabbah regime have been cited for indiscriminate killings and torture. Many of the more than 2,000 prisoners in Sierra Leone have been held under the 1998 Public Emergency Regulations, which provide for indefinite detention without trial. Section 13 of the same Public Emergency Regulations even declares that "disturbing reports" by the media are punishable offenses. Further exacerbating human rights abuses, government prisons are often overcrowded, unsanitary, and lacking in health care and the regular provision of food.
Sentiment
Loughran McDonald (Relative)
-1
Very Negative
Loughran McDonald (Absolute)
-1
Very Negative
Loughran McDonald (Logit)
-3.04452
Harvard-IV (Relative)
-0.33333
Somewhat Negative
Harvard-IV (Absolute)
-0.33333
Somewhat Negative
Harvard-IV (Logit)
-0.66329
VADER
-0.984
Very Negative
Moderation
Violence
0.082001253
OpenAI Moderation v1 (007)
Violence > Graphic
0.0325438305
OpenAI Moderation v1 (007)
Harassment
0.0149778411
OpenAI Moderation v1 (007)
Hate
0.0127652747
OpenAI Moderation v1 (007)
Sexual
0.0056219316
OpenAI Moderation v1 (007)
Harassment > Threatening
0.0054125758
OpenAI Moderation v1 (007)
Hate > Threatening
0.0022284234
OpenAI Moderation v1 (007)
Sexual > Minors
0.0003825988
OpenAI Moderation v1 (007)
Self-Harm
0.0001683779
OpenAI Moderation v1 (007)
Self-Harm > Intent
3.55892E-5
OpenAI Moderation v1 (007)
Self-Harm > Instructions
2.93284E-5
OpenAI Moderation v1 (007)
Topics
Topic:
International Affairs
Score:
81.215
Magnitude:
118
Code:
19
Url:
https://fsc.al/cap-mc#19
Source:
Comparative Agendas
Readability
Flesch-Kincaid Grade
12
Flesch-Kincaid Ease
32.3
Gunning-Fog Score
15.7
Coleman-Liau Index
12
SMOG Index
12
Automated Readability Index
12
Dale-Chall Readability Score
7.1
Sprache Readability Score
5
Dale-Chall Difficult Word Score
47
Sprache Difficult Word Count
53
Russ Feingold
In other examples, the High Court of Sierra Leone sentenced to death twenty-seven civilians convicted of treason, including five journalists and a seventy-five-year-old woman. International observers questioned the appropriateness of the treason charges for the journalists, and criticized the lack of a right to appeals in sentencing by the military court. In October, the government of Sierra Leone executed by firing squad, without benefit of an appeal process, twenty-four soldiers.
Sentiment
Loughran McDonald (Relative)
-0.75
Very Negative
Loughran McDonald (Absolute)
-0.75
Very Negative
Loughran McDonald (Logit)
-1.60944
Harvard-IV (Relative)
-0.29412
Slightly Negative
Harvard-IV (Absolute)
-0.29412
Slightly Negative
Harvard-IV (Logit)
-0.57054
VADER
-0.962
Very Negative
Moderation
Violence
0.2381305909
OpenAI Moderation v1 (007)
Hate
0.2232127823
OpenAI Moderation v1 (007)
Harassment
0.1529485453
OpenAI Moderation v1 (007)
Harassment > Threatening
0.0666133885
OpenAI Moderation v1 (007)
Violence > Graphic
0.0186028774
OpenAI Moderation v1 (007)
Hate > Threatening
0.0091138885
OpenAI Moderation v1 (007)
Sexual
0.0005672851
OpenAI Moderation v1 (007)
Self-Harm
3.5786E-5
OpenAI Moderation v1 (007)
Sexual > Minors
5.4992E-6
OpenAI Moderation v1 (007)
Self-Harm > Intent
2.3272E-6
OpenAI Moderation v1 (007)
Self-Harm > Instructions
1.559E-7
OpenAI Moderation v1 (007)
Topics
Topic:
Defense
Score:
44.869
Magnitude:
70
Code:
16
Url:
https://fsc.al/cap-mc#16
Source:
Comparative Agendas
Topic:
International Affairs
Score:
40.084
Magnitude:
70
Code:
19
Url:
https://fsc.al/cap-mc#19
Source:
Comparative Agendas
Readability
Flesch-Kincaid Grade
12
Flesch-Kincaid Ease
26.9
Gunning-Fog Score
19
Coleman-Liau Index
12
SMOG Index
12
Automated Readability Index
12
Dale-Chall Readability Score
7.1
Sprache Readability Score
5
Dale-Chall Difficult Word Score
28
Sprache Difficult Word Count
31
Russ Feingold
Unfortunately even elements of the otherwise admirable ECOMOG forces must also shoulder some of the responsibility for the devastation that wracks Sierra Leone. According to international humanitarian groups, shelling by ECOMOG during its assault on Freetown, Sierra Leone's capital, in February 1998, took a high toll on civilians. Its forces have also obstructed humanitarian assistance and some members may seek to prolong their mission in order to exploit the conflict for economic gain.
Sentiment
Loughran McDonald (Relative)
-1
Very Negative
Loughran McDonald (Absolute)
-1
Very Negative
Loughran McDonald (Logit)
-2.94444
Harvard-IV (Relative)
0.05882
Neutral
Harvard-IV (Absolute)
0.05882
Neutral
Harvard-IV (Logit)
0.11123
VADER
-0.572
Very Negative
Topics
Topic:
International Affairs
Score:
93.152
Magnitude:
72
Code:
19
Url:
https://fsc.al/cap-mc#19
Source:
Comparative Agendas
Readability
Flesch-Kincaid Grade
12
Flesch-Kincaid Ease
12.9
Gunning-Fog Score
17.4
Coleman-Liau Index
12
SMOG Index
12
Automated Readability Index
12
Dale-Chall Readability Score
7.9
Sprache Readability Score
5
Dale-Chall Difficult Word Score
31
Sprache Difficult Word Count
33
Russ Feingold
Mr. President, it is unconscionable to allow this situation to continue without exerting every effort to help resolve the conflict that generates such atrocities. While no other country or international organization can impose a settlement on Sierra Leone, it is incumbent upon us to offer our assistance in ending the catastrophic violence. We must call on the combatants to come to the negotiating table, and on neighboring governments to cease their support for the rebel forces that have prolonged Sierra Leone's political and humanitarian agony. We should be prepared to support such a process through provision of additional logistical support to the regional peacekeeping force and through encouragement of a renewed commitment for UNOMSIL to carry out its mandate. To provide for a long term solution, we must also actively support multinational humanitarian operations to address the wide- ranging needs of a displaced and brutalized population. But even if the humanitarian disaster can be stemmed, we must not walk away until there is the prospect of a government that adheres to the rule of law and supports the universally recognized standards of human rights.
Sentiment
Loughran McDonald (Relative)
-0.66667
Very Negative
Loughran McDonald (Absolute)
-0.66667
Very Negative
Loughran McDonald (Logit)
-1.43508
Harvard-IV (Relative)
0.40909
Positive
Harvard-IV (Absolute)
0.40909
Positive
Harvard-IV (Logit)
0.8473
VADER
0.827
Very Positive
Topics
Topic:
International Affairs
Score:
90.896
Magnitude:
184
Code:
19
Url:
https://fsc.al/cap-mc#19
Source:
Comparative Agendas
Readability
Flesch-Kincaid Grade
12
Flesch-Kincaid Ease
23.8
Gunning-Fog Score
19
Coleman-Liau Index
12
SMOG Index
12
Automated Readability Index
12
Dale-Chall Readability Score
7.4
Sprache Readability Score
5
Dale-Chall Difficult Word Score
71
Sprache Difficult Word Count
67
Russ Feingold
Mr. President, it does not please me to have to introduce this kind of resolution here in the Senate. But I believe it is important for the Senate to be on record in strong condemnation of the atrocities currently raging in Sierra Leone. I hope we can all move quickly to pass this resolution through the Committee on Foreign Relations and through the full Senate.
Sentiment
Loughran McDonald (Relative)
0
Neutral
Loughran McDonald (Absolute)
0
Neutral
Loughran McDonald (Logit)
0
Harvard-IV (Relative)
0.33333
Somewhat Positive
Harvard-IV (Absolute)
0.33333
Somewhat Positive
Harvard-IV (Logit)
0.61904
VADER
-0.148
Leans Negative
Topics
Topic:
International Affairs
Score:
93.401
Magnitude:
65
Code:
19
Url:
https://fsc.al/cap-mc#19
Source:
Comparative Agendas
Readability
Flesch-Kincaid Grade
8.5
Flesch-Kincaid Ease
62.8
Gunning-Fog Score
10.8
Coleman-Liau Index
10.9
SMOG Index
11.8
Automated Readability Index
8.1
Dale-Chall Readability Score
5.2
Sprache Readability Score
4.1
Dale-Chall Difficult Word Score
18
Sprache Difficult Word Count
18
Joe Biden
Mr. President, I am pleased to co-sponsor the resolution being submitted by Senator Frist and Senator Feingold condemning the escalating violence and violation of human rights in the nation of Sierra Leone. The past six weeks we have seen the end to peace and security in that country as a result of the renewed offensive by the combined forces of the Armed Forces Revolutionary Council military junta, known as the AFRC and a rebel group known as the Revolutionary United Front, or RUF in a effort to once again overthrow the democratically elected government of Sierre Leone.
Sentiment
Loughran McDonald (Relative)
-0.71429
Very Negative
Loughran McDonald (Absolute)
-0.71429
Very Negative
Loughran McDonald (Logit)
-1.46634
Harvard-IV (Relative)
-0.2
Slightly Negative
Harvard-IV (Absolute)
-0.2
Slightly Negative
Harvard-IV (Logit)
-0.37949
VADER
-0.077
Neutral
Topics
Topic:
International Affairs
Score:
94.202
Magnitude:
52
Code:
19
Url:
https://fsc.al/cap-mc#19
Source:
Comparative Agendas
Readability
Flesch-Kincaid Grade
12
Flesch-Kincaid Ease
26.1
Gunning-Fog Score
18.8
Coleman-Liau Index
12
SMOG Index
12
Automated Readability Index
12
Dale-Chall Readability Score
8.4
Sprache Readability Score
5
Dale-Chall Difficult Word Score
42
Sprache Difficult Word Count
42
Joe Biden
The Economic Community of West African States stepped in almost a year ago, sending its Military Observer Group, called ECOMOG, to restore President Tejan Kabbah to power. Since that time, ECOMOG has been the sole thin line standing between notoriously inhumane AFRC/RUF forces and the fall of the democratically elected government.
Sentiment
Loughran McDonald (Relative)
-1
Very Negative
Loughran McDonald (Absolute)
-1
Very Negative
Loughran McDonald (Logit)
-1.09861
Harvard-IV (Relative)
0.14286
Leans Positive
Harvard-IV (Absolute)
0.14286
Leans Positive
Harvard-IV (Logit)
0.25131
VADER
0.296
Slightly Positive
Topics
Topic:
International Affairs
Score:
70.708
Magnitude:
84
Code:
19
Url:
https://fsc.al/cap-mc#19
Source:
Comparative Agendas
Topic:
Defense
Score:
22.468
Magnitude:
84
Code:
16
Url:
https://fsc.al/cap-mc#16
Source:
Comparative Agendas
Readability
Flesch-Kincaid Grade
12
Flesch-Kincaid Ease
25.9
Gunning-Fog Score
14.2
Coleman-Liau Index
12
SMOG Index
12
Automated Readability Index
12
Dale-Chall Readability Score
8
Sprache Readability Score
5
Dale-Chall Difficult Word Score
22
Sprache Difficult Word Count
26
Joe Biden
Unfortunately on January 6 of this year, the AFRC/RUF once again attacked Freetown and continued waging an inhumane and unbelievably brutal war on the civilian population in the countryside. There are disturbing reports both in the media and from our embassy in Sierra Leone that the AFRC/RUF has rounded up civilians including men, women and children for the purposes of torture and mutilation. AFRC/RUF soldiers use machetes to amputate one or both hands, feet, ears, arms, and fingers of their civilian victims.
Sentiment
Loughran McDonald (Relative)
-1
Very Negative
Loughran McDonald (Absolute)
-1
Very Negative
Loughran McDonald (Logit)
-1.94591
Harvard-IV (Relative)
-0.38462
Somewhat Negative
Harvard-IV (Absolute)
-0.38462
Somewhat Negative
Harvard-IV (Logit)
-0.74721
VADER
-0.973
Very Negative
Topics
Topic:
International Affairs
Score:
61.444
Magnitude:
59
Code:
19
Url:
https://fsc.al/cap-mc#19
Source:
Comparative Agendas
Readability
Flesch-Kincaid Grade
12
Flesch-Kincaid Ease
31.8
Gunning-Fog Score
19
Coleman-Liau Index
12
SMOG Index
12
Automated Readability Index
12
Dale-Chall Readability Score
7.5
Sprache Readability Score
5
Dale-Chall Difficult Word Score
33
Sprache Difficult Word Count
29
Joe Biden
These reports indicate that victims are sometimes instructed to take a severed limb, body part or note to the government or ECOMOG stating that the government should replace the amputated body part, and that ECOMOG should leave Sierra Leone. These atrocities are carried out regardless of age or gender, and do not appear to be ethnically or religiously motivated.
Sentiment
Loughran McDonald (Relative)
-1
Very Negative
Loughran McDonald (Absolute)
-1
Very Negative
Loughran McDonald (Logit)
-1.09861
Harvard-IV (Relative)
0.2
Leans Positive
Harvard-IV (Absolute)
0.2
Leans Positive
Harvard-IV (Logit)
0.33647
VADER
-0.25
Slightly Negative
Topics
Topic:
International Affairs
Score:
71.735
Magnitude:
52
Code:
19
Url:
https://fsc.al/cap-mc#19
Source:
Comparative Agendas
Readability
Flesch-Kincaid Grade
12
Flesch-Kincaid Ease
29.2
Gunning-Fog Score
19
Coleman-Liau Index
12
SMOG Index
12
Automated Readability Index
12
Dale-Chall Readability Score
6.3
Sprache Readability Score
5
Dale-Chall Difficult Word Score
18
Sprache Difficult Word Count
22
Joe Biden
Women and girls are kidnaped and forced into sexual slavery. Some kidnap victims are used as labor in rebel camps. Boys and young men are compelled to join the AFRC/RUF as soldiers against their will. Witnesses say that children as young as seven years have been forcibly recruited by the rebels.
Sentiment
Loughran McDonald (Relative)
-1
Very Negative
Loughran McDonald (Absolute)
-1
Very Negative
Loughran McDonald (Logit)
-1.60944
Harvard-IV (Relative)
-0.5
Very Negative
Harvard-IV (Absolute)
-0.5
Very Negative
Harvard-IV (Logit)
-0.95551
VADER
-0.878
Very Negative
Topics
Topic:
International Affairs
Score:
93.19
Magnitude:
48
Code:
19
Url:
https://fsc.al/cap-mc#19
Source:
Comparative Agendas
Readability
Flesch-Kincaid Grade
6.7
Flesch-Kincaid Ease
70
Gunning-Fog Score
9
Coleman-Liau Index
11.5
SMOG Index
9.7
Automated Readability Index
6.9
Dale-Chall Readability Score
5.2
Sprache Readability Score
3.5
Dale-Chall Difficult Word Score
15
Sprache Difficult Word Count
16
Joe Biden
The result of the escalated violence has been the exodus of over 450,000 people into neighboring Guinea and Liberia. Nearly twice as many are wandering around within the borders of Sierra Leone, their homes and villages destroyed, vulnerable to further attacks from insurgents, without access to food or medicine.
Sentiment
Loughran McDonald (Relative)
-1
Very Negative
Loughran McDonald (Absolute)
-1
Very Negative
Loughran McDonald (Logit)
-2.19722
Harvard-IV (Relative)
-0.2
Slightly Negative
Harvard-IV (Absolute)
-0.2
Slightly Negative
Harvard-IV (Logit)
-0.33647
VADER
-0.902
Very Negative
Topics
Topic:
International Affairs
Score:
84.231
Magnitude:
73
Code:
19
Url:
https://fsc.al/cap-mc#19
Source:
Comparative Agendas
Readability
Flesch-Kincaid Grade
12
Flesch-Kincaid Ease
32.6
Gunning-Fog Score
17.2
Coleman-Liau Index
12
SMOG Index
12
Automated Readability Index
12
Dale-Chall Readability Score
6.3
Sprache Readability Score
5
Dale-Chall Difficult Word Score
16
Sprache Difficult Word Count
21
Joe Biden
With the help of external actors who are acting in direct violation of a United Nationals arms embargo, the AFRC/RUF has been able to effectively sustain its assaults against civilians and ECOMOG troops. However, the AFRC/RUF has demonstrated no organized political platform or agenda. It enjoys no popular support among the people of Sierra Leone. In short, this group can accurately be described as a band of well armed, determined thugs.
Sentiment
Loughran McDonald (Relative)
0
Neutral
Loughran McDonald (Absolute)
0
Neutral
Loughran McDonald (Logit)
0
Harvard-IV (Relative)
0.6
Very Positive
Harvard-IV (Absolute)
0.6
Very Positive
Harvard-IV (Logit)
1.22378
VADER
0.863
Very Positive
Topics
Topic:
International Affairs
Score:
81.041
Magnitude:
67
Code:
19
Url:
https://fsc.al/cap-mc#19
Source:
Comparative Agendas
Readability
Flesch-Kincaid Grade
11.9
Flesch-Kincaid Ease
42.3
Gunning-Fog Score
14.4
Coleman-Liau Index
12
SMOG Index
12
Automated Readability Index
10.9
Dale-Chall Readability Score
7.4
Sprache Readability Score
5
Dale-Chall Difficult Word Score
30
Sprache Difficult Word Count
33
Joe Biden
I applaud the administration for providing aid to ECOMOG. However, as I wrote to the Secretary of State this week, and as this resolution indicates, the United States can and should do more to support ECOMOG financially. While ECOMOG is far from perfect, it is the only thing standing between the civilian population the fall of the duly elected government to indiscriminate, brutally violent AFRC/RUF forces.
Sentiment
Loughran McDonald (Relative)
-0.33333
Somewhat Negative
Loughran McDonald (Absolute)
-0.33333
Somewhat Negative
Loughran McDonald (Logit)
-0.51083
Harvard-IV (Relative)
0.45455
Positive
Harvard-IV (Absolute)
0.45455
Positive
Harvard-IV (Logit)
0.8873
VADER
0.554
Very Positive
Readability
Flesch-Kincaid Grade
12
Flesch-Kincaid Ease
32.6
Gunning-Fog Score
16.7
Coleman-Liau Index
12
SMOG Index
12
Automated Readability Index
12
Dale-Chall Readability Score
6.8
Sprache Readability Score
5
Dale-Chall Difficult Word Score
24
Sprache Difficult Word Count
26
Joe Biden
It is for all of the above reasons that I join my colleagues Senators Frist and Feingold in sponsoring this resolution.
Sentiment
Loughran McDonald (Relative)
0
Neutral
Loughran McDonald (Absolute)
0
Neutral
Loughran McDonald (Logit)
0
Harvard-IV (Relative)
1
Very Positive
Harvard-IV (Absolute)
1
Very Positive
Harvard-IV (Logit)
2.19722
VADER
0.296
Slightly Positive
Topics
Topic:
International Affairs
Score:
87.232
Magnitude:
39
Code:
19
Url:
https://fsc.al/cap-mc#19
Source:
Comparative Agendas
Readability
Flesch-Kincaid Grade
11.1
Flesch-Kincaid Ease
52.6
Gunning-Fog Score
14.1
Coleman-Liau Index
11.7
SMOG Index
12
Automated Readability Index
11.1
Dale-Chall Readability Score
5.6
Sprache Readability Score
3.8
Dale-Chall Difficult Word Score
6
Sprache Difficult Word Count
7
Joe Biden
In addition to condemning the heinous actions of the AFRC/RUF rebels and the involvement of external actors in support of the rebels, the resolution urges the Administration to continue to give a high priority to solving this conflict.
Sentiment
Loughran McDonald (Relative)
-0.33333
Somewhat Negative
Loughran McDonald (Absolute)
-0.33333
Somewhat Negative
Loughran McDonald (Logit)
-0.51083
Harvard-IV (Relative)
-0.2
Slightly Negative
Harvard-IV (Absolute)
-0.2
Slightly Negative
Harvard-IV (Logit)
-0.36772
VADER
0.361
Somewhat Positive
Topics
Topic:
International Affairs
Score:
87.179
Magnitude:
56
Code:
19
Url:
https://fsc.al/cap-mc#19
Source:
Comparative Agendas
Readability
Flesch-Kincaid Grade
12
Flesch-Kincaid Ease
17.6
Gunning-Fog Score
19
Coleman-Liau Index
12
SMOG Index
12
Automated Readability Index
12
Dale-Chall Readability Score
9.6
Sprache Readability Score
5
Dale-Chall Difficult Word Score
19
Sprache Difficult Word Count
17
Joe Biden
Thousands of innocent men, women and children have been wounded, maimed and killed in the past months alone. We must do all we can do to bring about a swift and long-term political solution to this war. This is the only way to put a decisive end to the suffering of the population of Sierra Leone.
Sentiment
Loughran McDonald (Relative)
-1
Very Negative
Loughran McDonald (Absolute)
-1
Very Negative
Loughran McDonald (Logit)
-1.09861
Harvard-IV (Relative)
0
Neutral
Harvard-IV (Absolute)
0
Neutral
Harvard-IV (Logit)
0
VADER
-0.494
Negative
Readability
Flesch-Kincaid Grade
8.4
Flesch-Kincaid Ease
68.8
Gunning-Fog Score
11.8
Coleman-Liau Index
8.6
SMOG Index
11.3
Automated Readability Index
7.6
Dale-Chall Readability Score
3.7
Sprache Readability Score
4.1
Dale-Chall Difficult Word Score
10
Sprache Difficult Word Count
14