[Congressional Record Volume 140, Number 44 (Wednesday, April 20, 1994)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[Congressional Record: April 20, 1994]
From the Congressional Record Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]
MY COMMITMENT TO AMERICA
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HON. JOHN J. DUNCAN, JR.
of tennessee
in the house of representatives
Wednesday, April 20, 1994
Mr. DUNCAN. Mr. Speaker, I would like to share with my colleagues and
other readers of the Record a speech written by a very fine young man
in my district, Brett Benson Allmon of Englewood, TN. Brett gave his
address at VFW Post 5146 in Athens, TN on November 11, 1993, and I had
the privilege of hearing him speak to this group. Brett also received
the Voice of Democracy Award for this speech.
I thought that the points this outstanding young man made about the
unraveling of our families in this Country were very valid. I hope more
young people will make the commitment that Brett has to his education,
his family and to God.
My Commitment to America
When I saw the topic that was to be discussed in this
speech. I was anxious to speak about it because citizens
should better understand their commitment to America and not
just America's commitment to them. You see, I believe that
America is not a place of people supported by the Government.
I believe that America is a union supported by the people.
Therefore each American's commitment to their country
involves what they do each day, whether it be a white collar
job, blue collar job, volunteer work, military service,
homemaker, or any other endeavor.
I am a student, so my commitment to America involves my
commitment to my education. In a recent speech, Rep. Newt
Gingrich said that 30 years ago the most important problems
with students in school were talking in class, chewing gum,
and running in the halls. He also pointed out the most
important problems now:
Rape and assault; teenage pregnancy; students receiving
diplomas that they cannot even read; and increasing suicide
rates.
The Government has not ignored such problems in the
schools. Government spending on education since 1960 has gone
from $64 billion a year to $207 billion a year. However, the
average SAT score has gone from 975 down to 899 in this same
period of time.
Therefore, you must agree that money is not the answer. But
if money is not the answer then what is? Mencius, a Chinese
philosopher, once said, ``The root of the kingdom is in the
state. The root of the state is in the family.''
In 1960, nine percent of all American homes were single
parent families. In 1990, twenty-nine percent of all American
homes were single parent families. During this same period of
time, the percentage of American students living with both
parents has gone from 78% down to a meager 22%.
I realize many people have no faith in statistics and are
often bored by them, but I believe that these numbers cannot
be ignored. The solution appears obvious to me. Students'
recommitment to education will depend on the reconstruction
of the American family. If such measurable facts do not
convince you of the problem and its solution, then use the
facts that your own minds observe and the facts that your own
hearts feel.
Observe the widespread violence. Observe the sagging morals
that were once special to almost everyone. Feel the grip of
sexual and sensual propaganda. Feel the growing attitude of a
selfish and rebellious spirit. These things need no
statistics and percentages to back them up.
You can see and feel these things and ideas every day. You
can be sure that they bring in big money for businesses, but
you can be sure that they have one destructive byproduct.
They undermine the commitment to the family.
There is hope. In the latest presidential election, more
than in any other of the last 30 years, the issue of family
values was heavily discussed and debated. As more Americans
come to see this as a determining issue, then more officials
who recognize this as important will be elected to serve.
It is going to become the responsibility of my generation
to reinstitute the American family as the root of this
Nation. A building is only as strong as its foundation. Our
Nation has long been strong because of the firm foundation
forged by the morals of our forefathers. But that moral fiber
has rotted and the foundation has crumbled. We must tear down
our present foundation and lay a new one. Our new foundation
will be the family, the firmest structure I know.
Many battles may be lost in this effort, but the war will
be won. My generation will fulfill its obligation and
reaffirm the value of the family. We will carry this
rekindled torch into the 21st century.
So what do I commit to America? I commit myself as a
student. I commit myself as a member of my family. I commit
myself under God. I commit myself.
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