[Congressional Record Volume 140, Number 74 (Tuesday, June 14, 1994)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]


[Congressional Record: June 14, 1994]
From the Congressional Record Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]

 
                           A CODE OF CONDUCT

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                             HON. AL SWIFT

                             of washington

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, June 14, 1994

  Mr. SWIFT. Mr. Speaker, I have received many letters from my 
constituents who are worried about our Nation's crime problem, and 
Congress has had vigorous debates on the best solutions to stop this 
violence. We need to find a way to make sure our children become 
productive members of society and not callous criminals. Yet, there are 
limits to what Congress can do to stop violence. Individuals need to 
take personal responsibility for their actions--to step back and see 
that how they treat others directly impacts our society. Mrs. Nordica 
Wiggins, of Everett, WA, has developed a code of conduct which she 
calls the American Code, which we should all take the time to read. Her 
code provides a valuable guide for individuals, families, and 
communities to follow in order to return to those positive values of 
decency, courtesy, and respect.
  I am submitting a copy of her letter for the Record.


                                                  Everett, WA,

                                                February 22, 1994.
     The President,
     The White House, Washington, DC.
       Dear Mr. President: The violence and crime in our beautiful 
     country are becoming more and more unacceptable. There seems 
     to be a lack of conscience and an ignorance of right and 
     wrong.
       Instead of trying to pin the blame, do you think a Code of 
     Behavior for Americans might help, please?
       If a revised and approved version of the below draft were a 
     required posting on every school room wall, every government 
     office and meeting place and in every public conveyance, on 
     accommodating TV screens and newspaper pages, maybe it could 
     start the pendulum swinging back to a nation where decency, 
     courtesy and respect for each other became habitual to one 
     and all.


                           the american code

       As an American and entitled to all the benefits and 
     privileges of citizenship,
       1. I will respect my fellow Americans in speech, attitude 
     and behavior.
       2. I will not kill.
       3. I will not steal.
       4. I will not bear false witness against a fellow citizen.
       5. I will protect children.
       6. I will be kind to animals.
       7. I will protect the environment.
       8. I will obey the laws and pay the taxes that pertain to 
     me.
       9. I will not discriminate against others who differ from 
     me in appearance, beliefs and customs.
       10. I will respect and protect the American flag.
           Sincerely,
     (Mrs.) Nordica Wiggins.

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