[Congressional Record Volume 140, Number 29 (Wednesday, March 16, 1994)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]


[Congressional Record: March 16, 1994]
From the Congressional Record Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]

 
                        TRAGEDIES OF CHILD ABUSE

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                        HON. GERALD B.H. SOLOMON

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                       Wednesday, March 16, 1994

  Mr. SOLOMON. Mr. Speaker, I rise to support raising awareness of the 
tragedies of child abuse. This problem remains a terrible scourge on 
our society and Congress must rise to the task and recognize it as 
such.
  As a parent of three sons and two daughters, I understand the 
pressures and demands which raising children from infancy to adulthood 
places upon parents. We are called to raise our sons and daughters to 
be responsible members of society. To do that, it's proper that we use 
constructive criticism and appropriate discipline to help correct our 
children when they make mistakes and to encourage them to keep on the 
right path.
  However, appropriate discipline is one thing; child abuse is 
something else. It outrages me to hear stories of parents who treat 
their children as lightning rods for their frustration and anger. This 
misconduct unconscionably harms the child and serves no good purpose. 
It never constructs life; it destructs it. For that reason, child abuse 
must be discouraged and, in appropriate cases, punished.
  Recently, I received a recording of a song by Jessica Layton, a young 
lady from my congressional district in upstate New York. I must say 
that her special talent and the important message she conveyed moved me 
greatly. If only ever parent could listen to her message the next time 
their nerves get a little frayed or their tempers get a little hot. I 
think you will agree that hearing Jessica's song would make them stop 
and think twice before they abused their children.
  After listening to the song, I would encourage you to support House 
Joint Resolution 68, a joint resolution sponsored by our colleague Ron 
Coleman which would designate April 1994 as ``National Child Abuse 
Prevention Month.''

                         I'm Just a Little Kid

(Music by Cici Hunt, lyrics by Wes Caswell, Cici Hunt, and Hayley Hunt)

     You hurt me when you hit me.
       I just don't understand.
     Sometimes you say you love me
       With hugs and kisses,
     And then suddenly you're angry
       What was it that I did?
     I'm afraid, please don't hit me.
       I'm just a little kid.

     You hurt me when you hit me.
       I really want to cry.
     I hold my tears inside me,
       And then I wonder why.
     Don't you love me anymore?
       What was it that I did?
     I'm afraid, please don't hit me.
       I'm just a little kid.

     I know I make you angry,
     But what do you expect.
       I'm just a little kid,
     And God's not finished with me yet.

     So love me, don't hit me.
       Tell me what you need.
     Talk to me, I'll listen.
       All I ask is, please,
     Can't we find another way?
       We'll be glad we did.
     Love me, love me.
       I'm just your little kid.
       (Copyright 1992)

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