[Congressional Record Volume 142, Number 58 (Wednesday, May 1, 1996)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E691-E692]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




       KRISTINA WONG, CALIFORNIA WINNER OF SCRIPTWRITING CONTEST

                                 ______


                            HON. TOM LANTOS

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                         Wednesday, May 1, 1996

  Mr. LANTOS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Kristina Wong, the 
California winner of the 1995-96 Veterans of Foreign Wars Voice of 
Democracy Broadcast Scriptwriting Contest. More than 116,000 students 
participated in the competition for 54 national scholarships. I am 
proud to include the text of her award-winning script in the 
Congressional Record.

                        Answering America's Call

                           (By Kristina Wong)

       ``Hello . . . Oh, America! How are you! . . . Great. I'm 
     sure you're still as generous as always . . . What's

[[Page E692]]

     that? . . . Sure. . . . Of course I will. Of course! If you 
     are kind enough to create such opportunities, I should be 
     gracious enough to offer you want I can in return . . . No, 
     no, no . . . Don't be silly, we depend on each other. Without 
     you I couldn't be here . . . And you couldn't be where you 
     are . . . Alright, thanks for calling. Bye.''
       That was America calling. She calls on me as she does all 
     of us to take advantage of her innumerable opportunities. 
     Now, more than ever, the chance for America to answer her 
     call is marvelous. These opportunities are practically flung 
     at America, so how could anyone resist-answering America's 
     call?
       America was founded over 200 years ago on the principle of 
     life, liberty, and freedom, and she calls on us to take 
     advantage of these principles. In regards to life, the chance 
     is ours to live where we want, how we like, and with as much 
     education as we would like to receive. Of course in doing 
     this we must also respect other Americans' rights to live as 
     they choose. We are offered excellent free public 
     education. We are offered financial assistance when we 
     stumble. The life America offers is unique from that of 
     all other countries. Nowhere else in the world is there 
     such a diversity of talent, culture, and experience.
       We are granted liberty--the opportunity for us to live with 
     rights not granted by other countries. We may speak freely as 
     long as we do not take license which injuries others in doing 
     so. America welcomes refugees whether that are political 
     prisoners, prisoners of war, or those who are oppressed by 
     the economic shackles that have bound them in their native 
     lands. In America, we can speak out to government about 
     issues that concern us.
       Along with liberty, we are granted freedom--freedom to 
     exercise our rights to pursue the religion of our choice, to 
     elect the candidate we support, and to assemble at will. We 
     have the right to publish our ideas and share them with other 
     Americans, no matter how orthodox or unorthodox they may be. 
     We can also create groups to reform government or educate the 
     community on the issues of concern.
       It can clearly be seen that America's opportunities are 
     hard to turn down! But America doesn't just call on us to 
     take advantage of her bounty, she also asks us to help 
     sustain her services by giving back to her something in 
     return. By doing this we keep America in balance. Without 
     contributions from America, she is incapable of fulfilling 
     the promise of life, liberty, and freedom. She needs our 
     help.
       One way we help is through the financial contributions we 
     make each April--those infamous taxes which fund the services 
     America offers. Another way we contribute is in the form of 
     direct service. Some of us are called to serve in the 
     military to fight to defend America, while others of us are 
     asked to serve in the community by volunteering our time and 
     skills to assist those in need.
       And America, most of all, requests the moral support of her 
     citizens. We sing the National Anthem before sporting events 
     to remember the efforts of those who defended our country. We 
     also build national spirit by observing holidays such as 
     Veterans Day, Independence Day, and Presidents Day. We 
     display our national pride by hanging our American Flag as a 
     symbol of unity and spirit.
       I, too, have answered America's call. I have taken a 
     citizen's role in government through my work canvassing for 
     the Sierra Club on environmental protection issues. I have 
     also served America by giving my time at a convalescent home 
     where I assisted the elderly with their art activities. I 
     have donated time at a local soup kitchen, serving meals to 
     the homeless. I have further involved myself in working for 
     the environment by being on my school's Green Team, which 
     collects recyclable in the school. My team's efforts enabled 
     us to earn a can crusher this year to further our recycling 
     activities. This work led me to volunteer at a local 
     recycling center where I have spoken to the community about 
     keeping open recycling centers which were scheduled to close.
       America has kept her promise of life, liberty, and freedom. 
     She gives us the right to voice our opinions on our 
     government. She gives us the freedom to pursue our goals and 
     to reach for excellence. She gives us the opportunity for 
     education and success. She only asks that we answer her call 
     by giving her our time, service, and talents in return. So, 
     the next time America calls, don't hang up.

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