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Sheila Jackson-Lee 1 Courage, by definition, is the attitude of facing and dealing with anything recognized as difficult or painful instead of withdrawing from it. Synonyms of courage are bravery, heart, fortitude, and strength. Many people today are unfamiliar with the concept of true courage. However, the Honorable Sheila Jackson-Lee is a woman who not only understands courage, but is courage personified. As the nation watched in dark fascination as their President faced the possibility of the premature end to his presidency, Mrs. Jackson-Lee stood against an attempt to make a private act an impeachable offense. She chose to fight for her constituents and for what she believed was right, and in so doing could be just and fair to the President despite the Congressional clamor for impeachment. By choosing her position against what appeared to be the majority of her fellow Congressmen who were crying for impeachment, she courageously helped preserve the dignity of the office of President of the United States. Born on January 12, 1951, in Queens, New York, Jackson-Lee experienced racism and inequality first-hand as a young black woman growing up during the Civil Rights Movement. Despite the fact tha