[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.
____________________