[Congressional Record Volume 142, Number 45 (Thursday, March 28, 1996)]
[Senate]
[Pages S3147-S3148]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                           A SALUTE TO KANSAS

  Mr. DOLE. Mr. President, Kansas Senator Richard L. Bond delivered a 
moving tribute to the State of Kansas on the occasion of the 135th 
anniversary of statehood. During our annual celebration in Topeka, WI, 
Governor Tommy G. Thompson served as the keynote speaker for the 
evening of celebration and appreciation.
  In his narrative, Senator Bond captured the heart and strengths of 
our State, and I ask unanimous consent that his remarks be printed in 
the Record.
  There being no objection, the remarks were ordered to be printed in 
the Record, as follows:

                           A Salute to Kansas

       Governor Graves, Governor Thompson, Senator Kassebaum, 
     Chairman Miller, Distinguished Guests and fellow Kansans, it 
     is my pleasure to offer a salute to Kansas on the occasion of 
     her 135th birthday of statehood. Having turned sixty years of 
     age in the past year I am pleased whenever I'm invited to a 
     birthday party for something older than I am.
       This past summer a book titled ``Vacation Places Rated'' 
     was published which listed Kansas dead last as a desirable 
     vacation spot. The vacationers surveyed apparently felt 
     Kansas had little to offer. Such sentiments are not new. In 
     1867 Henry Stanley wrote, ``Tourists through Kansas would 
     call this place dull enough . . . For a passing traveler in 
     search of pleasure, it certainly possesses few attractions.''
       If one is in search of a sandy sea-side shore or a snow-
     capped mountain peak Kansas is not the place to look.
       For those of us who call Kansas home we know what may be 
     lost on the casual visitor.
       The beauty of Kansas resides in the subtle grace of its 
     geography, the strength of its people's character and the 
     spirit of hope that shapes its future.
       America may not turn to Kansas when its looking for a 
     tropical resort but America looks to Kansas for so much more 
     . . .
       Today, when Americans want the finest grain in the world 
     they call on Kansas.
       Today, when Americans want the finest steak in the world 
     they call on Kansas.
       Today, when Americans want oil and natural gas to heat 
     their homes and cook their food they call on Kansas.
       Today, when Americans want the finest aircraft in the world 
     they call on Kansas.
       And yes, Governor Thompson, we even make some pretty good 
     cheese.
       And today, when America needs leadership it calls on 
     Kansas--
       Congresswoman Jan Meyers, the first Republican woman to 
     chair a standing committee in the U.S. House.
       Congressman Pat Roberts, reshaping farm policy as Chairman 
     of the House Agriculture Committee.
       Senator Nancy Kassebaum, the first woman elected to the 
     U.S. Senate in her own right, working to reform welfare, 
     education and job training as Chair of the Senate's Labor and 
     Human Resources committee.
       And, Senator Bob Dole who has served as Senate Majority 
     Leader longer than any other person.
       We are blessed with an abundance of Republican leaders that 
     reflect the virtues of Kansas--persistence, hard work, common 
     sense and hope. Congressmen Brownback and Tiahrt continue 
     this tradition.
       But this Kansas tradition of leadership is nothing new.
       Sixty years ago in the depths of the dust bowl and 
     depression Governor Alf Landon worked to balance our state 
     budget and serve as our party's standard bearer in the 
     Presidential election. His dignity and sense of compassion 
     were not victims to the fiscal austerity of the time.
       More than fifty years ago when America faced the challenge 
     of World War, Gen. Eisenhower lead our forces to victory in 
     Europe and secured the peace. The boyhood lessons learned in 
     Abilene served him well in that endeavor and during the eight 
     years he served our nation as President. The 34th President 
     whose boyhood home was in the 34th state.
       Today, when the need for leadership on the national level 
     has never been greater, Americans again call on Kansas. The 
     man from Russell tested by war and tested in the public arena 
     stands ready to lead our country into the next millennium. 
     His greatest strengths are the gifts of Kansas. A character 
     shaped by faith and family, a determination to confront 
     challenges and an ingenuity to overcome them. When America 
     calls on Kansas we always offer our best. President Bob Dole 
     will be no exception.
       Kansas has historically been willing to make tough choices. 
     The choice to reject slavery caused our state to be born in 
     the midst of a bloody struggle. A struggle for which Kansas 
     paid a high price--Kansas suffered the highest mortality rate 
     in the nation during the Civil War. But our birth in troubled 
     times only made Kansans appreciate the price of freedom even 
     more.
       From the prairie, Kansans built a way of life--not focused 
     on the value of possessions but on the importance of family, 
     neighbors, faith and community. Obstacles were merely 
     opportunities for innovation and the creative spirit of 
     Kansans always rose to meet the challenge. We have always 
     sought the stars through difficulties.
       Floods, grasshoppers, dust storms, drought, tornadoes--all 
     have caused the Kansas spirit to bend but it has never 
     broken.

[[Page S3148]]

       Tonight, on the occasion of 135 years of statehood Kansas 
     remains a great place to call home. But regardless of our 
     contributions much remains to be done. As President 
     Eisenhower said, ``Accomplishment will prove to be a 
     journey, not a destination.'' Kansas is a young state--one 
     with its best years ahead--full of possibilities. We must 
     work to accomplish the full potential of these 
     possibilities--creating an even better Kansas for future 
     generations.
       Some may seek to exploit divisions within our party but I 
     believe many more will seek to focus on that which unites us. 
     Since the Republican Party in Kansas was organized in 1859 in 
     Osawatomie it has known its share of controversy but it has 
     also provided our state with leaders united by a belief that 
     government isn't the solution to every problem and that a 
     limited government that encourages individual opportunity and 
     freedom best serves the citizens of Kansas. With candor, 
     respect and trust we as Republicans can continue to provide 
     such leadership for Kansas. The contrasts that define our 
     differences can be a source of strength not division. We have 
     a great leader in our governor, Bill Graves. His vision for 
     Kansas is worthy of our continued mutual investment.
       One hundred years ago a young editor, having recently 
     purchased, The Emporia Gazette, published an editorial 
     entitled, ``What's the Matter with Kansas?'' With it's 
     publication William Allen White garnered his first national 
     attention. A century later upon revisiting that question we 
     know that there is nothing the matter with Kansas that the 
     people of Kansas can't fix--working together.
       It is true that some may look at Kansas and see only what 
     Zebulon Montgomery Pike first described as ``The Great 
     American Desert.'' But those of us that call Kansas home know 
     better. We know that Kansas is a fount of commerce, 
     prosperity, and hope--a place occupied by those who know the 
     importance of faith and family and who believe in a future of 
     unlimited potential. A land of open vista and friendly 
     people. Regardless of where we roam Kansans are sure of one 
     thing--there's no place like home. For all the blessings of 
     Kansas we give thanks.
       Happy Birthday Kansas and Many Happy Returns.

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