[Congressional Record Volume 140, Number 110 (Wednesday, August 10, 1994)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]


[Congressional Record: August 10, 1994]
From the Congressional Record Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]

 
                               CRIME BILL

                                 ______


                            HON. RON PACKARD

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                       Wednesday, August 10, 1994

  Mr. PACKARD. Mr. Speaker, Americans are outraged by the crime wave 
gripping our Nation--evidence of the social meltdown in our 
communities. At the core of the pessimism is the feeling that our 
country is suffering a moral and spiritual decline. The answer to our 
crime problem lies in the restoration of the family; the revival of the 
work ethic; and most important, the renewal of moral conduct.
  However, the $33 billion crime bill now before us denies us the right 
to fill the very spiritual void which is responsible for our crime. 
crisis. It makes it virtually impossible to impart to our young people 
the such basic values as the Ten Commandments.
  The $630 million Family and Community Endeavor Schools Grant Program, 
more commonly known as FACE, funds crime prevention programs designed 
to reach the most vulnerable members of our communities--our kids. The 
bill's language states that none of the money may be used for religious 
worship or instruction. This means that teaching kids the Ten 
Commandments is prohibited.
  When we see 14 year olds selling drugs to 12 year olds; 16 year olds 
stealing from 14 year olds; and 18 year olds killing 16 year olds; I 
think that teaching things like `Thou Shall Not Kill' `Thou Shall Not 
Steal'; and `Thou Shall Love Your Neighbor as Thyself' is critical.
  Our children need to understand that values are important; respect 
for others is paramount; and community participation is vital. If we 
fail to teach these lessons we doom the future of this country to the 
fatal grip of lawlessness and violence.

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