[Congressional Record Volume 141, Number 194 (Thursday, December 7, 1995)]
[Senate]
[Page S18125]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




            BUFFALO COMMONS MEMOIRS: TALES FROM THE PRAIRIE

  Mr. PRESSLER. Mr. President, I want to take a moment to commend an 
outstanding South Dakota writer, Lawrence Brown of Buffalo, SD. 
Lawrence is a South Dakotan who has put his appreciation for his State 
down on paper. His book, ``Buffalo Commons Memoirs,'' brings to light 
life on the upper plains and the reasons why life in America's 
heartland is so rewarding.
  As I read ``Buffalo Commons Memoirs,'' I was reminded of my own 
experience growing up on a farm in Humboldt, SD. As some of my 
colleagues know, life on a farm is not always easy. Early mornings and 
late nights during planting and harvest seasons come with the 
territory. However, Lawrence Brown reminds us correctly that hard work 
builds character. Although Lawrence grew up on the farm at an earlier 
time, I am pleased to note the same solid Midwestern work ethic has 
been passed on to today's young South Dakotans.
  Mr. President, Lawrence writes in his chronicles that he chose to 
spend his life in a small city in western South Dakota. Lawrence, like 
so many South Dakotans, particularly new residents who have moved from 
other States, has realized that South Dakotans recognize the important 
things in life--the values of family, friends and community. Mr. 
President, I am proud to represent people such as Lawrence Brown--
people who appreciate the things in life that matter most, and live 
each day to its very fullest. I would like to share an excerpt from 
Lawrence Brown's book with my colleagues. I am confident that they, 
too, will enjoy Lawrence's entertaining work. I ask unanimous consent 
to have printed in the Record a section from ``Buffalo Commons 
Memoirs.''
  There being no objection, the material was ordered to be printed in 
the Record, as follows:

       Perhaps some grandkid some time may be interested in my 
     autobiography, but for a relatively obscure aggie, 
     sheepherder, rancher and plainsman the personal aspect of 
     this project is probably pointless. To validate the effort it 
     must portray some history and some custom and culture of this 
     corner of America.
       A record of bits and pieces of history beyond scientific or 
     political data can give us an insight into where we have 
     been. And where we have been may give us some direction on 
     where we should go. It may even guide us on how to get there. 
     Beyond that, it could also tell us that our expectations are 
     too high and maybe we should be satisfied with what we have, 
     who we are, and where we are.
       Hardly a personal visit or social call goes by but we have 
     gained something from the other's recent or distant past.
       Most of our history lies out in area cemeteries never to be 
     retrieved or vouched for accuracy. If there is anything to a 
     psychic connection, it would have to be part of our memories 
     as they relate to people we once knew. Certainly, if we give 
     some thought to friends who have gone over that great divide, 
     a memory will come back of a shared conversation or 
     experience. There is nothing supernatural about that.
       One problem that I run into is the experts of English and 
     Grammar. As I pass my stuff along for critique, I run into 
     those who either went to more school than I or paid more 
     attention while they were there. Good grammar is a wonderful 
     art and I admire people who can combine it with the delivery 
     of a message. But well-meaning people have corrected and 
     rephrased some of my stuff until the meaning was gone. Anyone 
     who has ever tried to read a government document has no doubt 
     discovered that literary correctness and the delivery of 
     information are not necessarily compatible.

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