[Congressional Record Volume 140, Number 92 (Friday, July 15, 1994)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]


[Congressional Record: July 15, 1994]
From the Congressional Record Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]

 
                      ``MY COMMITMENT TO AMERICA''

                                 ______


                           HON. CHET EDWARDS

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, July 14, 1994

  Mr. EDWARDS of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I am proud to announce that Mr. 
Andrew Ruppar has won honors from the Veterans of Foreign War in the 
Voice of Democracy broadcast scriptwriting contest. Andrew is a senior 
at Copperas Cove High School in Copperas Cove, TX, which I am 
privileged to represent.
  This year, more than 138,000 students participated in the Voice of 
Democracy contest which demonstrates the great accomplishment that 
Andrew achieved by being recognized as the top entry in Texas.
  I am proud to insert a copy of this winning speech.

                      ``My Commitment to America''

                           (By Andrew Ruppar)

       I think we've all seen the tradition before the olympics 
     when one runner passes the eternal olympic flame to another. 
     It is then his responsibility to proudly run with it until 
     that time when it is his turn to pass the torch. This 
     tradition is a great deal like America. For over two hundred 
     years, the torch of liberty has been carried patriotically by 
     past Americans and now it will soon be my turn. The only way 
     America could fail is if the wind of apathy blows out this 
     flame. I fear the moment that someone stops and says, ``Well, 
     these past generations did fine. Why do I have to do 
     anything? Besides, I am sure if it is really so important, 
     someone else could carry this torch besides me.'' My 
     commitment to America is to never let this apathetic view 
     overcome myself, and I will struggle to keep it from 
     overcoming others.
       Some people view freedom like a belly button. As long as 
     they can remember, it has always been there, and they seem to 
     pay it no mind or attention. From living in a military family 
     I have had unique experiences that have helped me to cherish 
     what I have. One of my most memorable experiences was at age 
     seven, traveling past the east side of the Berlin wall. The 
     buildings, monuments, streets, all were a cold grey color, a 
     color reflected even in the people's sullen faces. Seeing the 
     limited choices in the stores, being searched and followed by 
     guards, walking down the street and having a stranger spit at 
     my father in his military uniform, a uniform that defended 
     all that I believed, all were a rude awakening to the world. 
     At an age where I had just learned to spell the word 
     ``rights,'' I learned what it was like to live without any. 
     As we crossed the border back to the West, I was surrounded 
     by familiar and vivid colors. And only in its absence did I 
     understand that freedom is more than going on a field trip 
     and not having to use the buddy system.
       The freedoms and liberties that we now have did not come 
     cheaply. There has never been a blue light special on 
     justice. Thousands of brave men and women have broken down 
     the barriers of oppression and now defend and keep us safe 
     from further danger. Yet, erecting a memorial or placing a 
     wreath does not negate any American, including myself, from 
     our true responsibilities. My commitment to America and the 
     memory of these past and present patriots is to strive to 
     preserve the rights and freedoms we were given, always 
     struggle to find more just rights and liberties, and 
     guarantee the success of future generations.
       Norman Cousins states that, ``In a Democracy, the 
     individual enjoys not only the ultimate power, but also 
     carries the ultimate responsibility.'' My ultimate 
     responsibility is to see my commitment through and not let 
     the victories of past generations be for nothing. My 
     commitment to America comes in a variety of forms. When I am 
     driving and I see a stop sign, it is my commitment to America 
     to stop. While it may seem obvious, part of my commitment to 
     America is to be a law-abiding citizen. It is also my 
     commitment to America to take care of my debts and my own 
     welfare. I cannot allow others to needlessly provide for me. 
     America is strong because the individuals that make up this 
     great country are strong. I, too, must make my contribution 
     to the strength of America. Even standing up at a baseball 
     game as the National Anthem is played is one of my commitment 
     to America. However, my most important method of fulfilling 
     my commitment will be through my occupation, for I want to go 
     into government service. I can serve my country and its 
     people by ensuring that the barriers of oppression stay down 
     and continue to see justice being served.
       God bless America! I believe it to be the greatest country 
     to live in, but it still has its share of problems. When one 
     watches the news one can not help but feel the pain of 
     others, witness the presence of injustice, and simply have 
     the feeling of not being safe. Even the youth of America has 
     its share of problems. While most, idealistically, should be 
     studying, or being productive citizens, they seem more intent 
     on raising the rate of juvenile crime. My commitment of 
     America will be to roll up my sleeves and get to work at the 
     problems and find solutions to satisfy us all.
       If you ask most Americans on the street, ``Is there a 
     problem with our health care system?'' They will say, 
     ``Yes.'' ``Is there a problem with our educational system?'' 
     ``Yes.'' ``Is there a problem with our foreign policy?'' 
     ``Yes.''
       But if you ask most Americans how to correct them or what 
     they will personally do to fix these problems, their 
     enthusiasm will tend to dwindle. I, however, will devote my 
     life to these conundrums and try to keep the active 
     participation of all whom I represent and serve. While I 
     don't claim to be the panacea for every imperfection in this 
     country, I will never allow myself to be one of its problems. 
     Like the Olympic runners, I will keep the flame of liberty 
     and justice burning bright. My commitment to America will be 
     to proudly pass it on to future generations so the essence of 
     this great country called America, can illuminate the world.

                          ____________________