[Congressional Record Volume 141, Number 126 (Tuesday, August 1, 1995)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E1573-E1574]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


                       A SALUTE TO JAZMIN BROOKS

                                 ______


                           HON. PATSY T. MINK

                               of hawaii

                    in the house of representatives

                        Tuesday, August 1, 1995
  Mrs. MINK of Hawaii. Mr. Speaker, I would like to take this 
opportunity to salute an outstanding young women from my congressional 
district, Ms. Jazmin Brooks. Jazmin was recently named a national 
winner of the ``Voice of Democracy'' broadcast scriptwriting contest 
which is sponsored by the Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States 
and its Ladies Auxiliary. The competition requires high school students 
to write an essay on a specified patriotic theme. In 1995, over 126,000 
students participated. Jazmin was sponsored by VFW Post 2875, VFW Post 
94, Ship's Post 2432 and its Ladies Auxiliary. All are located in 
Honolulu HI. This year's theme was entitled, ``My Vision for America'' 
and I am pleased to share Jazmin's award winning entry with you.

[[Page E1574]]


                         My Vision for America

                           (By Jazmin Brooks)

       The date: October 12, 1492. The Man: Christopher Columbus. 
     A time in which the seas were an open book waiting to be 
     written. A time in which the skies were the navigational 
     tools for all explorers to seek. A time in which the new land 
     was like a canvas anticipating an artist's touch. One of 
     these artists was Columbus. His painting was the Americas.
       With one small stroke, Columbus began the drawing. This 
     drawing would contain wars, revolutions, and many a rivers of 
     tears. But this drawing was the beginning of hope, freedom, 
     and liberty. Had this Italian man known the ``door'' he had 
     just unlocked for the future of the most dominant of all 
     nations? Could he have ``envisioned'' what the future 
     possessed? . . .
       Vision is a common word we perceive as being connected with 
     the action of eyesight. This is true, but it alone is not the 
     only element to its significance. From where I stand I see 
     three other essentials necessary to truly project and set 
     forth the future which you desire.
       One: a mind that is as open and free as the air soaring 
     through the wings of the masterful American eagle, 
     knowledgeable, tenacious, and wishing to teach all those who 
     gather. Two: a heart stout enough to withstand the mightiest 
     of all blows, yet gentle enough to concern and reach out for 
     those less providential. Three: a lordly soul bearing the 
     load of the mind, heart, and body, to guide and lead the way 
     to utmost success.
       The mind, the heart, and the soul are the keys to which 
     many great leaders have found themselves and their futures. 
     Learn from them, observe their past and present deeds to 
     better yourself. We all share a trace of ignorance and 
     therefore must thrive off one another to move forward. It 
     starts with one small step . . . a dream and a vision.
       I envision the future of America thirty years from now. I 
     see a dividend of lifestyles between micro-computers and the 
     ``Jetsons.'' I see the animals being able to equally share 
     the land with humans. I see no pollution due to the fact we 
     can now change it into lovely household pottery! I see no 
     vandals, gangs, guns, or drugs--these people overdosed to 
     their death in their own self-pity and anger. I see no 
     diseases, decaying, or unwanted pain. I see wholesome lives, 
     unlocked doors, and nightly jogs because people are no longer 
     afraid. I see racial harmony, with acknowledgement and 
     acceptance of the past, and a ``ready foot'' to move forward 
     . . . united!
       This is all that I see. This is my dream. I have that mind, 
     that heart, and that soul to make this real. I may not do it 
     alone, but it will be done. It may not be now, but it will be 
     soon. And I will be that leader who shall be looked upon as a 
     true scholar. Young adults who will be entering the ``real 
     world'' with little experience, but lots of energy just 
     looking for a light to guide them through. I will be one of 
     those lights burning brightly for hereafter.
     

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