[Congressional Record Volume 140, Number 32 (Monday, March 21, 1994)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]


[Congressional Record: March 21, 1994]
From the Congressional Record Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]

 
                       VOICE OF DEMOCRACY WINNER

                                 ______


                            HON. EARL HUTTO

                               of florida

                  in the house of representatives

                         Monday, March 21, 1994

  Mr. HUTTO. Mr. Speaker, my constituent, David Hurst of Pensacola, FL, 
is a State winner in the Veterans of Foreign Wars of the U.S. ``Voice 
of Democracy'' broadcast scriptwriting contest. I am pleased to submit 
the following winning script written by David Hurst.

       Commitment. Webster says, ``A pledge or promise to do 
     something.'' A commitment is a decision to do something for 
     another for no other reason than love for them. Some 
     commitments are not initiated by the receiver, they are made 
     freely, without obligation of return, by the giver. These 
     are, perhaps, the highest of all commitments. The other type 
     of commitment is reciprocal, in other words, both parties 
     involved do something for the other. I would like to say my 
     commitment to America would be of the first type, that I 
     would love America without hope of anything in return. But I 
     cannot make that statement because my country has done so 
     much for me: so much that everything I do in return cannot 
     begin to replace it.
       What has America given to me and the many millions who have 
     been her citizens? A heritage of freedom, a past that reminds 
     us of our liberty, and patriots who have fought and died for 
     that cause. A prosperous economy, a land blessed with great 
     bounty, provision for a high standard of living, and a chance 
     for success for those who will work hard for it. Freedom of 
     speech, freedom of press, freedom of assembly, freedom of 
     worship, and every part of the Bill of Rights. Life, liberty, 
     and the pursuit of happiness from our Declaration of 
     Independence. And most importantly, the freedom to do what I 
     believe is morally right within the bounds of human law.
       This list gives just an idea of what my country provides. 
     These conditions give me incentive not only to be a law-
     abiding citizen, but also to make commitments to give back 
     what I have been given. I hope that my personal commitments 
     will challenge you to take the privilege of being an American 
     more seriously.
       My first and most important commitment to America is moral. 
     More and more today, Americans are being encouraged to defy 
     authority. This is seen so vividly in the crime rate and its 
     increase. As a committed American, I will seek to obey the 
     laws of the land as they are established by government.
       The second of my commitments is mental; I will learn why 
     America is great from her past. I will look for the 
     principles in the lives of her founding fathers, in her 
     foundational documents, and in the historical events that 
     have fed her growth. I will learn from the men who have 
     sacrificed for my country and seek to make their commitments 
     mine.
       The third of my commitments is educational. My education is 
     so important to my future commitments to America. To be the 
     best citizen possible I must take full advantage of my 
     educational opportunities. Great men of the past have made 
     great commitments in the area of education; through what has 
     been provided for them or their own initiative to teach 
     themselves. To give America my best later, I must learn all I 
     can now in math, science, writing skills, critical reading, 
     government, and economics.
       My fourth commitment is informational; that is, I will be 
     informed on present issues of importance to my country. A 
     citizen who is not informed and knowledgeable about problems 
     cannot be a part of their solution. Voting is another part of 
     being an informed citizen. Intelligent choices are made by 
     informed citizens, not those who ignore the facts.
       My fifth commitment is vocational. I will work for a 
     prosperous, economically sound country. Whatever my job, I 
     will work hard to reach my goals, and provide economic means 
     for others. I will use the benefits of capitalism as a means 
     of achievement economically. This also involves personal 
     service if my country should ask for it. I will be willing to 
     give my life so that others may experience the freedom I 
     enjoy.
       My sixth and last commitment is societal. I will be 
     involved in areas of service to make others happier and more 
     successful. I will try to give others knowledge and insight I 
     have gained in my life. This is an area of commitment 
     especially important in my latter years as young people need 
     the advice of those with experience.
       I hope you have been challenged to make pledges to America 
     in each of these areas. Even if others lose their love for 
     her, America has my solemn promise that I will stand firm in 
     my commitments. Fellow patriots, take the challenge and 
     commit yourself to ``the land of the free, and the home of 
     the brave.''

                          ____________________