[Congressional Record Volume 141, Number 124 (Friday, July 28, 1995)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1551]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


                         MY VISION FOR AMERICA

                                 ______


                   HON. WILLIAM M. ``MAC'' THORNBERRY

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                          Friday, July 28, 1995

  Mr. THORNBERRY. Mr. Speaker, Each year the Veterans of Foreign Wars 
of the United States and its Ladies Auxiliary conduct the Voice of 
Democracy broadcast scriptwriting contest. This past year more than 
126,000 secondary school students participated in the contest competing 
for the 54 national scholarships totaling more that $109,000, which was 
distributed among the winners. The contest theme this year was ``My 
Vision For America.''
  Ms. Erin Kenyon of my district was the State winner for Texas. The 
following is her winning script:
                         My Vision for America

       We all have a vision of America. Thomas Jefferson saw 
     independence. Abraham Lincoln envisioned unity. Susan B. 
     Anthony pictured women voting. Martin Luther King, Jr. 
     foresaw a land of equality for all races. My vision for 
     American isn't too different from theirs--I see a diverse 
     nation, unified by a people with a generous spirit, who are 
     willing to be a beacon of hope and democracy to the whole 
     world.
       Throughout history, Americans have faced and met the 
     demands of life in the frontier with a patriotic zeal. Early 
     in America, pioneers were faced with the challenge of 
     building their homes and barns quickly to avoid the ravages 
     of winter. Instead of each man taking on this incredible task 
     by himself, people decided that by working together more 
     could be accomplished. In much the same way, my vision of 
     America ha citizens working together for the betterment of 
     our country.
       The rallying cry of the American revolution, ``United we 
     stand, divided we fall,'' can be a guide for us in solving 
     the problems which now plague American society. A man in 
     California who was tired of the gang graffiti sprawled on 
     walls across his neighborhood formed a group to paint over 
     it. Volunteers help with youth programs such as boy's and 
     girl's clubs and scouting which provide interests to keep 
     kids off the streets. Volunteers across the country devote 
     their time to teaching the illiterate how to read. These are 
     just a few examples of how ordinary Americans can make an 
     extraordinary difference in the lives of their fellow 
     countrymen. In my vision, every person would see citizenship 
     as a shared responsibility. We must not only be a United 
     States, but a United people.
       Webster's dictionary defines patriotism as love, support, 
     and defense of one's country. It seems sometimes as if 
     Americans become so torn with their difference that they lose 
     sight of what really matters. That diversity doesn't have to 
     divide us; it can be the glue that binds us to our goals and 
     dreams.
       The same is true for our government. Our representatives 
     should realize that the national interest comes before 
     political partisanship. Political campaigns should be based 
     on constructive ideas, not destructive mudslinging.
       In my vision racial and political differences aren't 
     inevitable obstacles, but solvable problems. Conquering them 
     will lead us to a more perfect union.
       Finally, my vision is for America to be a world leader. Now 
     is not the time to be isolationists. We must maintain our 
     military superiority in order not to use it. For with that 
     very strength, we have the power to promote world peace--
     economically and diplomatically. Like President Woodrow 
     Wilson said, ``America cannot be an ostrich with its head in 
     the sand.'' Shrinking from our responsibility leaves the rest 
     of the world with nowhere to turn. We should be a role model 
     for countries throughout the world to follow.
       In my vision of America, hope and opportunity exist for 
     each and every one of us. We owe much to those whose visions 
     of America have changed our lives--Thomas Jefferson, Abraham 
     Lincoln, Susan B. Anthony, Martin Luther King, Jr. and many 
     other patriots. My vision is for America to be a country of 
     patriotic people, united in being a model of democracy and 
     hope to the world with the courage to look unafraid towards 
     the future.
     

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