[Congressional Record Volume 141, Number 158 (Thursday, October 12, 1995)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1941]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




            A WEEK WITHOUT VIOLENCE--IMAGINE THE DIFFERENCE

                                 ______


                          HON. JAMES A. BARCIA

                              of michigan

                    in the house of representatives

                       Thursday, October 12, 1995

  Mr. BARCIA. Mr. Speaker, one of the great misfortunes of our society 
is the degree of violence that people experience. It disrupts 
communities. It disrupts families. It usurps resources that could be 
better used for other purposes. We need to deal with this situation, 
and I am pleased to recognize the Young Women's Christian Association--
the YWCA--for the efforts that it is making as it celebrates the YWCA 
Week Without Violence between October 15 and 21, with events throughout 
the country, including my home town of Bay City, MI.
  We need to deal with violence at all levels--between people on the 
streets, in schools, in the work place, in families. Over 7 days the 
YWCA will address many of these problems. On Sunday, a day of 
remembrance will be held, where congregations are being asked to pledge 
non-violence as an offering. Monday will have its emphasis on 
protecting children, with an open house at community recreational 
facilities. Tuesday will concentrate on making schools safe where 
students will be asked to sign pledges against violence. Wednesday will 
focus on confronting violence against women, with an information booth 
at the Bay City Mall, the sale of T-shirts commemorating the event, and 
a display at the Bay County Women's Center Clothesline Project which 
concentrates on the terrible problem of spousal and sexual abuse. 
Thursday confronts the violence facing men. Friday pledges to work 
towards the elimination of racism and hate crime. Saturday directs our 
attention towards replacing violence with healthy alternatives with 
open houses again at community recreation facilities.
  Mr. Speaker, in an intelligent, reasonable society, there is no need 
for violence in our dealings with each other. Responding to momentary 
impulses has created lifetimes of pain, mandated the expenditure of 
untold dollars, and done literally nothing to help move towards a 
constructive resolution of problems. Thousands of people are murdered 
each year. Millions of children are the victim of child abuse with 
nearly four children dying each day as a result.
  Some of the things that we can all do are so basic. Listen to--don't 
just hear people. Walk away from anger to find a solution to a problem. 
Treat people the way we want to be treated. Help change the behavior of 
others by setting a good example. Don't take fool-hardy risks with 
strangers, or unfamiliar places.
  I want to commend the many civic organizations around Bay City, the 
religious community, Saginaw Valley State University, Bresnan 
Communications, WNEM TV 5 and WSGW Radio, the Bay City Police 
Department, the Michigan State Police, and so many others for 
supporting this important event. I also congratulate the national YWCA 
and its national sponsors for working to resolve a problem that is of 
importance to all of us.
  Mr. Speaker, I urge you and all of our colleagues to join me in 
paying attention to this week without violence, and resolve ourselves 
to making this week a way of life.

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