[Congressional Record Volume 140, Number 26 (Thursday, March 10, 1994)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]


[Congressional Record: March 10, 1994]
From the Congressional Record Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]

 
                        TRIBUTE TO JOANNE BLUER

                                 ______


                            HON. BILL BAKER

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, March 10, 1994

  Mr. BAKER of California. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to 
a survivor of polio, heart disease, lung disease, and breast cancer. 
She is Joanne Bluer, a Jewish-American poet from Walnut Creek, CA.
  Her heroic struggle should serve as an inspiration to us all.
  Among her most recent accomplishments is a book of poetry entitled 
``I Believe * * * The Thoughts of Joanne Bluer.''
  I would now like to share with you her poem ``Peace Prayer.''


                              peace prayer

     I stand, or should I say ``kneel'' before Thee, O Lord
     Not as a beggar, but as a child kneels before the flame
     And watches the fire rising as a strong compound an falling 
           as ashes.

     I'm scared and I seek your strong hand to guide me.
     Why should I be afraid? Why, why?
     Because my legs are only flesh,
     My steps are only human mechanisms.
     The spirit that should rise and lift me above all that is of 
           the world is lacking.
     It's not gone, just withered and tired.
     Help us have faith in You, so that we may rededicate our 
           lives to Your truths and laws of reason and respect for 
           all.

     In these troubled times, good people reach out to good 
           people.
     It is not black and white, yellow and red.
     It is good against evil.
     As Rousseau said, ``Evil triumphs because men of good will do 
           nothing.''
     He also said ``Man is neither good, nor is he bad. He is 
           neutral and can be influenced to change and can be 
           corrupted by the society in which he lives.''

     These are important points
     Because people can initiate change
     And they must do so now.
     All good people must pray together
     And what is more important,
     Must work toward this end actively and with great hope in 
           their hearts.
     I hate to think how our society will hemorrhage if we fail 
           now.

     We must not fail.

                          ____________________