[Congressional Record Volume 142, Number 86 (Wednesday, June 12, 1996)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E1072-E1073]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




    COMMENDING JENNIFER TUTAK ON HER ESSAY ``THE BEST OF THE BEST''

                                 ______


                         HON. MICHAEL BILIRAKIS

                               of florida

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, June 12, 1996

  Mr. BILIRAKIS. Mr. Speaker, I would like to share with my colleagues 
an excellent essay from an intelligent young student in my district 
named Jennifer Tutak. She writes that, looking back over the past 200 
plus years of our country's history, we have made remarkable advances 
and are indeed the best of the best.
  I would encourage my colleagues to take a moment and read her very 
optimistic and uplifting account of what we as Americans have 
accomplished since the beginning of our country. I certainly agree that 
the United States is the best country in the world, and Jennifer does 
well in reminding us of that.

                          The Best of the Best

                          (By Jennifer Tutak)

       Just over two hundred years ago, America was nothing more 
     than a small band of colonies lacking unity and a strong 
     government. Yet today we are leading the world in 
     technological advances, medical breakthroughs, agricultural 
     production, and global politics. A universal superpower, we 
     have tremendous amounts of food, rich, vast lands, superb 
     military forces, and a successful government. How did this 
     happen? In two centuries, how did we surpass countries which 
     have existed for thousands of years? The answer lies in the 
     strong governmental and moral values of dedicated citizens 
     which have pushed us to the top and continue to bring us to 
     new heights and achievements.
       It takes proficiency to make an administration strong, and 
     our federal system of government provides just that. The 
     ethical codes of each of the three branches have built up a 
     stable governing body which meets the needs of its people and 
     serves as a model for the rest of the world. The judicial 
     branch protects the rights of all United States citizens, 
     declaring them ``innocent until proven guilty''. Both the 
     legislative and executive branches create laws to produce new 
     benefits for the country, like safety regulations and trade 
     agreements.
       We hold public votes for our representatives in accord with 
     the belief that the government directly serves us. They 
     reflect our values and wishes and work to institute them. The 
     United States strongly advocates world peace and belongs to a 
     myriad of organizations and committees to promote 
     goodwill, assistance, and trade between countries. We 
     value our environment, the clean, crystal water, fresh 
     air, and lush forests. The country recognizes the 
     resources which we take for granted actually belong to our 
     chil-

[[Page E1073]]

     dren's children's children. The government likewise has 
     set up national parks, land reserves, pollution 
     regulations, and created protection for endangered 
     species. A third standard demanded by the people involves 
     that of education. Our government provides public 
     schooling for every child in this country, so that they 
     may grow up with the means to make bright futures for 
     themselves.
       Another area in which the American public and their 
     administration have used strong ideals lies in the economy. 
     We have always fiercely believed in a free enterprise system. 
     The incentives of owning a private business and making profit 
     instigated millions of citizens to work hard and develop the 
     country. In doing so, the United States started growing as a 
     capitalist giant through mining, farming, trade, industry, 
     entertainment, and building, to name a few. The money brought 
     in, new inventions, and immigrants eager to try their own 
     hand in business never let the country look back.
       The government did uphold and expand on such values, but it 
     was the American voices behind them who presented these 
     ideals and their own customary, unwritten morals. As already 
     shown in the example on free enterprise, U.S. citizens have 
     been zealous believers of hard work since the country's 
     formation. The Founding Fathers set up a government and 
     turned a loose group of states into a nation. Pioneers 
     opened up the West. Immigrants introduced their ideas and 
     joined the fight to advance America. Oil was found, 
     railroads were connected, the Wright brothers flew the 
     first airplane, women won the right to vote, America met 
     victories in both World Wars, Dr. Jonas Salk found the 
     polio vaccine, man landed on the moon, computers were 
     invented, and we continue to speed down the Information 
     Superhighway to new prospects on the horizon. The 
     determination and devoted labor of all Americans has 
     proved quite possible to be our greatest strength.
       Besides working hard, the policy of helping others has long 
     been a value which has made America great. Whether it be a 
     neighbor in trouble like Mexico, a devastating earthquake in 
     southern California, or the atrocious Oklahoma City bombing, 
     Americans have come to the rescue. The Red Cross, 911 
     Emergency Medical Services, police departments, fire 
     stations, and a multitude of other volunteer organizations 
     come forth in times of need. We care about our brothers and 
     sisters. U.S. citizens give money, volunteer time and talent, 
     spread hope, and even donate their own blood and organs for 
     each other. In a country where Good Samaritans live, good 
     things are bound to happen.
       Thus, by supporting the ethics of the Constitution and the 
     values of hard work and love, the American people and their 
     government have made our country the international force it 
     is today. We value our freedoms and friends as much as hard 
     work and free enterprise. We value education, the 
     environment, and a peaceful world. We value all of these 
     because we value the future of America. As the 21st century 
     arrives, we shall accomplish new feats and set new goals and 
     continue to make our great country even better.

                          ____________________