[Congressional Record Volume 141, Number 163 (Friday, October 20, 1995)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E1992-E1993]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                            CHARACTER COUNTS

                                 ______


                          HON. LAMAR S. SMITH

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                       Thursday, October 19, 1995

  Mr. SMITH of Texas. Mr. Speaker, this week we celebrate the 
importance of personal responsibility, mutual respect, and good 
citizenship. This week we salute these important virtues that are 
essential to the American character. This week we pay tribute to the 
millions of Americans who contribute billions of hours to help their 
neighbors achieve their potential and improve their lives.
  This week is Character Counts week. So it is appropriate to bring to 
your attention the work of the Character Counts Coalition. The 
Character Counts Coalition focuses attention on the six pillars of 
character: trustworthiness, respect, responsibility, caring, fairness, 
and citizenship.
  These pillars are more than simply words. They are a code by which 
millions of people have been able to achieve extraordinary dreams for 
themselves and their neighbors. These are a framework for a self-
governing nation. And these six simple pillars have made the United 
States of America the economic, social, and political lighthouse for 
the world.
  But today, as these pillars of character are being embraced around 
the globe from Moscow to Managua, they are too easily ignored or 
forgotten at home. Illegitimacy rates have spiralled 400 percent since 
1960. Divorce rates have doubled over the past 30 years. A rising tide 
of suicide, teenage pregnancy, and violence have often turned our 
shining cities into gruesome nightmares.

[[Page E1993]]

  We must work together within our own communities, our churches, our 
synagogues and mosques, our schools, and our workplaces to reverse 
these trends. Today the question for every American is not only what 
can you do for your nation but what can you do for your school, your 
neighborhood, and your community.
  Character Counts week celebrates the work of those Americans who are 
answering this call. The Character Counts Coalition is answering this 
call. We salute the message and encourage all Americans to heed the 
pillars of character.

                          ____________________