[Congressional Record Volume 142, Number 59 (Thursday, May 2, 1996)]
[House]
[Pages H4400-H4401]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
ANSWERING AMERICA'S CALL
The SPEAKER pro tempore. Under a previous order of the House, the
gentleman from Minnesota [Mr. Gutknecht] is recognized for 5 minutes.
Mr. GUTKNECHT. Mr. Speaker, it is my pleasure today to pay tribute to
a
[[Page H4401]]
remarkable youngster from my district. His name is Christopher Deufel,
and he is the first place winner of the Veterans of Foreign Wars Voice
of Democracy Broadcast Script Writing Contest for the State of
Minnesota. Christopher is the son of Mr. and Mrs. Joseph Deufel and is
currently a senior at Austin Senior High School in Austin, MN.
His interests include reading, debate, and swimming. He is also
president of both his high school student council and the National
Honor Society. Christopher is planning to attend St. Olav College in
Northfield, MN, where he intends to pursue a degree in either physics
or economics.
His essay, entitled ``Answering America's Call,'' was a genuinely
patriotic piece of writing, and I am honored to share several passages
for the House today.
We answer America's call by maintaining the ideals of
democracy. Our Nation was founded on the ideals of compromise
and equal opportunity. From Henry Clay to President
Roosevelt, our leaders have sought solutions to our daily
problems. These solutions do not come easily; they require
foresight and effort, but there are solutions and it is our
responsibility to answer this call. Often it seems that our
society is out of focus. From big cities to rural towns,
violence and poverty are issues we face daily. Too often we
become immune to the problems affecting us. The
desensitization of our culture is a growing problem.
Acceptance of our current difficulties is acknowledgment that
we have given up. Achieving social change can't be deduced to
a simple formula, but two things will reverse some of the
detriments we have created. Active participation and the
willingness to cooperate can motivate even the most stubborn.
Another way we can answer America's call is yet the most
obvious. The right to vote has empowered the people with a
voice and mechanism for change. The influence we wield goes
deep into the concept of the ballot box. The informed
citizenry is one of the most potent forces in a government.
We work together to bring our Nation into focus.
I see the world around me and witness both the good and the
bad. I know I don't live in a perfect world, yet I will not
complain about the changes that need to be made, but I
will work to make those changes.
Mr. Speaker, I submit the balance of the text for the Congressional
Record.
Answering America's Call
Susan B. Anthony fought for the right to vote; Neil
Armstrong took a walk on the moon; Rosa Parks refused to sit
in the back of the bus.
Through the framework of time Americans have risen to
become the mechanisms for progress and change. There will
come a time in our lives when we are called upon to protect
and preserve the ideals of America.
By utilizing our rights, maintaining the ideals of
Democracy, and exercising our influence, we answer America's
call.
Patrick Henry professed that if a law is unjust we are
compelled to violate this law. This was the premise that
motivated the Son's of Liberty to begin the quest for
freedom. We are endowed with certain rights that give us
checks upon our government. Our constant questioning and
evaluations of law have created a system of justice and
dignity.
We answer America's call by maintaining the ideals of
democracy. Our Nation was founded on the ideals of compromise
and equal opportunity. From Henry Clay to President
Roosevelt, our leaders have sought solutions to our daily
problems. These solutions do not come easily; they require
foresight and effort, but there are solutions and it is our
responsibility to answer this call. Often it seems that our
society is out of focus. From big cities to rural towns,
violence and poverty are issues we face daily. Too often we
become immune to the problems affecting us. The
desensitization of our culture is a growing problem.
Acceptance of current difficulties is acknowledgment that we
have given up. Achieving social change can't be deduced to a
simple formula, but two things will reverse some of the
detriments we have created. Active participation and the
willingness to cooperate can motivate even the most stubborn.
Another way we can answer America's call is yet the most
obvious. The right to vote has empowered the people with a
voice and mechanism for change. The influence we wield goes
deep into the concept of the ballot box. The informed
citizenry is one of the most potent forces in a government.
We work together to bring our nation into focus.
As the time arises for each of us to make a difference, we
will have the power and tools to bring a positive change. As
magnanimous as a bid for the presidency, or as mundane as
lending a helping hand, we all can make a difference.
When I was 5 years old my parents took me to visit the
Vietnam Memorial. While I was still too young to fully
understand, I was quite aware of the solemnity and power of
that place. It represented thousands of Americans who made
the ultimate sacrifice as they answered their call.
Ever since I can remember I've felt the urge to make a
difference. Each day as I settle into my chair at school, I
imagine where I will be years from now. Some days I'm a
doctor, others I'm a journalist, and there are days when I'm
even the President.
I see the world around me and witness both the good and the
bad. I know I don't live in a perfect world, yet I will not
complain about the changes that need to be made, but I will
work to make those changes.
As I continue onward, I carry hopes and dreams with me.
Like others before me I will try to preserve justice in our
Nation. And each day as I strive to realize this vision, I
answer America's call.
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