[Congressional Record Volume 141, Number 72 (Wednesday, May 3, 1995)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E939-E940]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


                      A TRIBUTE TO AMANDA SHANKLE

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                            HON. BUD SHUSTER

                            of pennsylvania

                    in the house of representatives

                         Wednesday, May 3, 1995
  Mr. SHUSTER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate Amanda Shankle 
on being selected by the Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States 
and its Ladies Auxiliary as the winner of the Voice of Democracy 
broadcast scriptwriting contest. Amanda is a 17-year-old constituent of 
mine and resides in Schellsburg, PA.
  Amanda has written an extraordinary essay and deserves much praise 
for winning such a competitive contest. Her work shows insights into 
her subject matter and solid command of the English language. I would 
ask that all of my colleagues join me in offering a warm 
congratulations to Amanda for her excellent work.
  Mr. Speaker, at this time I would also ask that Amanda's essay be 
reprinted in the Congressional Record so that all of my colleagues will 
have access to her fine work.
                         My Vision for America

                          (By Amanda Shankle)

       A vision is something seen in a dream, the vivid product of 
     the imagination's power. My vision of America is the dream of 
     a powerful nation, confident, united, and proud. It is a 
     dream that exists only because of the thousands of brave men 
     and women who fought for America's freedom, who sacrificed so 
     that I might have the opportunity to express and to achieve 
     my dream. Because of them I awake each day knowing that my 
     future stands before me, alluring, exhilarating, and full of 
     hope and promise.
       But I also know that if my children are to awaken to that 
     same dream, it is my responsibility to work to achieve it, to 
     ensure that my vision for America becomes a reality. I must 
     work for a country whose natural environment is not wasted by 
     ignorance, greed or neglect, but preserved to support future 
     generations. I must work for a nation in which people care 
     for, and help one another, a nation that rests on a strong 
     spiritual foundation of tolerance and faith, where all 
     persons are treated with dignity, justice and respect.
       I dream of an America whose leaders put the good of their 
     people first, before party loyalty or personal gain; an 
     America where no child goes to bed hungry, and no family is 
     without a home. I dream of an America where the right to 
     medical treatment and health care is basic; where no one has 
     to suffer because they cannot afford the help they need.
       I must work for a country where crime, drugs, and violence 
     are the rare exception rather than the common rule, and I 
     know that to achieve that dream I must support 
     [[Page E940]] measures that strengthen our economy, cherish 
     our families, and insist on schools that challenge the minds 
     of our children.
       I remember the vision of Martin Luther King, Jr. who 
     dreamed of a nation where people would be judged by the 
     content of their minds and characters, rather than by their 
     race or religion. It is a dream that I share, and one I will 
     work hard to achieve, just as I will work hard to insure that 
     America remains strong, for I believe that a peaceful planet 
     earth depends now, more than ever before, on the leadership, 
     strength and prosperity of the United States of America.
       I dream of a country whose future is transformed by the 
     innovative and inventive genius of her scientists, a 
     transformation whose great accomplishments work to support 
     the worth of the land and the values of her people. I dream 
     of an America leading a united, free and prosperous planet to 
     explore the vast reaches of outer space. What wonders await 
     us there?
       Can my vision, my dream for America come to pass? Yes. If 
     all of us will strive to work together, if we will open our 
     hearts to one another, and to people everywhere, if we as 
     Americans and as citizens of planet earth share our hopes, 
     our dreams, and our visions, the power of the human 
     imagination and the wisdom of the heart will accomplish all 
     of this, and much more. I see America as an American, proud 
     of its accomplishments and committed to making it truly a 
     haven of prosperity and dreams. For in dreams come visions 
     and through visions come new and exciting ventures for all of 
     us to share. Yes. That is my vision for America.
     

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