[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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