[Congressional Record Volume 140, Number 89 (Tuesday, July 12, 1994)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]


[Congressional Record: July 12, 1994]
From the Congressional Record Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]

 
                    CONGRATULATIONS TO RALPH MARQUEZ

                                 ______


                          HON. BILL RICHARDSON

                             of new mexico

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, July 12, 1994

  Mr. RICHARDSON. Mr. Speaker, I am honored to recognize Ralph Marquez 
as this year's New Mexico winner of the Voice of Democracy broadcast 
scriptwriting contest, sponsored by the Veterans of Foreign Wars of the 
United States and its ladies auxiliary.
  The Vvoice of Democracy scholarship program was started 47 years ago 
with the endorsement of the U.S. Office of Education, National 
Association of Broadcasters, Electronic Industries Association, and 
State Association of Broadcasters. Each year, more than 138,000 
secondary school students participate in the contest competing for the 
39 national scholarships totaling $99,000.
  The winner of the New Mexico scriptwriting contest is a 16-year-old 
student from Las Vegas, NM. Mr. Marquez is an exceptional young person 
committed to excellence as demonstrated by his numerous science and 
academic awards. He hopes to one day become a doctor. He is to be 
commended for addressing some of the complex social and economic 
problems in this country in his award winning script entitled, ``My 
Commitment to America.''
  I urge my colleagues to review Mr. Marquez's valuable thoughts.

                      ``My Commitment to America''

                        (By Ralph Marquez, Jr.)

       More than two hundred years ago, the American nation was 
     founded on the principle that ``all men are created equal.'' 
     Since the promise of 1776 was made, we the citizens of the 
     United States have strived to make this a reality.
       During the years after World War II, and particularly 
     during the past two decades, the movement toward freedom, 
     justice and opportunity for all Americans made a steady 
     progress.
       Since its foundation, the United States has grown from a 
     rural society of small villages and towns to an urban society 
     of large cities and suburbs. The economy of the United States 
     has developed from a simple one based on self-sufficient 
     farming to an infinitely more complex one based on the 
     technology of an industrial society. The nation has emerged 
     from relative isolation to a role of world leadership.
       Despite progress, problems still remain. The cities, in 
     which so many of the poor and the minorities are 
     concentrated, continue to decay. Also, from the mid-1970's 
     on, the nation's economic health was poor. Soaring prices and 
     scarce jobs damaged the chances of many minority members to 
     better their lives.
       The federal government and its budgets have grown greatly 
     since the 1930's, and many citizens have been asking if such 
     growth is necessary and helpful. The American economy, a 
     marvel to people the world over, has seemed to falter in the 
     face of continuing problems with inflation and increasing 
     international competition.
       Locally, the problems citizens face today are no less 
     critical than those facing the nation at large. Problems of 
     violence, drugs, theft, vandalism and poverty continue to 
     plague the American citizens' dream.
       Violence and guns are the biggest problems facing Americans 
     today. Every day about one hundred and fifty people are 
     killed either by guns and/or some other type of unnecessary 
     violence. The violation of a citizen's rights or the taking 
     of their lives is not only detrimental to the quality of life 
     of the victim and perpetrator, but also to their families and 
     their communities and society at large.
       Drugs, theft, vandalism and poverty are equally as 
     destructive to an individual, as they are to society, in that 
     the American dream of freedom, justice and opportunity is 
     violated and stripped away.
       As John F. Kennedy said, ``Ask not what your country can do 
     for you, but what you can do for your country.'' At an early 
     age, I have always thought about that saying and what I could 
     do as an individual to make that statement true for me.
       From the age of six, up until the age of nine, I wanted to 
     become a firefighter. I always dreamed of someday being known 
     for saving peoples' lives. At the age of nine, I realized 
     that being a firefighter was not the only profession where 
     there were lives to be saved. I then wanted to become a 
     Medical Doctor, and now, several years later, I am still 
     working towards achieving that goal.
       My desire is to receive my M.D. degree from Harvard 
     University and be the best possible doctor I am capable of 
     being. After receiving my M.D. I may decide to become 
     specialized in the field of neuro-surgery. I realize that it 
     will take years of hard work and dedication to achieve my 
     goal, but that's what goals are set for.
       The United States, especially the area in which I live, is 
     greatly in need of quality medical providers. I believe that 
     in giving, you shall receive and that's why I plan to give 
     back to society and the community in which I was raised. 
     Through the knowledge acquired from the anticipated years of 
     study, my commitment to America, ``or to my fellow man,'' 
     will be to heal the sick and lessen the suffering from the 
     ailments plaguing our society brought about by diseases and 
     other environmental conditions.
       By becoming a practicing physician, I plan on focusing my 
     energies on community health, serving those who are less 
     fortunate and capable of receiving quality medical attention 
     through any other means. These people, as well as those who 
     are financially capable, deserve the best possible medical 
     services which can be provided. By reaching my educational 
     goals at quality educational institutions, I will strive to 
     provide these quality services to those in need.
       The American land, with all its beauty and wealth of 
     natural resources, needs thoughtful care and management to 
     ensure that its treasures will be passed on to future 
     generations.
       By the passing down of educational and technological 
     resources, I will hopefully attain my own dream and 
     ultimately the American dream of freedom, justice and 
     opportunity for all.

                          ____________________