[Congressional Record Volume 142, Number 114 (Tuesday, July 30, 1996)]
[House]
[Pages H8800-H8801]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




   THE OLYMPIC CHALLENGE FOR AMERICA: TO DRAW TOGETHER AGAINST HATRED

  The SPEAKER pro tempore. Under a previous order of the House, the 
gentlewoman from Texas [Ms. Jackson-Lee] is recognized for 5 minutes.
  Ms. JACKSON-LEE of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I think that it is time, as we 
near the end of the 100-year anniversary of the modern Olympic games, 
that we rise to the floor of the House to provide perspective. This 
weekend should have brought Americans together. Many in different 
cities around the Nation may have initially thought of the Olympic 
games as Atlanta's games. But I think as we have watched the 
indomitable spirit of all of those who have participated, we must first 
acknowledge that these are world games, and that this is an honor 
bestowed upon America, our Nation, to be able to host this year's 
event.
  The first recorded Olympics were held every 4 years at the ancient 
sanctuary in Greece from 1776 B.C. until they were abolished in 394 
A.D. They were revived in the late 19th century by French baron Pierre 
de Coubertin with the first modern games held in Athens in 1896. This 
year, of course, marks the 100th anniversary.
  As we have watched the games proceed, and the challenge to America 
and to the athletes, it stands in sharp contrast to the tragedy of this 
past weekend. It saddened me that the games were marred by one tragic 
incident of a sick and criminal act. It sickens me and saddens me that 
we lost a very lovely lady who had a 14-year-old daughter who loved 
her, and a family. Now she is gone from them and from the contributions 
that she has made and would have made; and then to have lost the life 
of a Turkish photographer because of this tragedy, and the 111 who were 
victims of this tragedy.
  But most of all, I think we should be challenged by this Olympic 
challenge, if you will, to recognize that we as Americans must draw 
together against hatred, hateful talk, and those who would claim that 
they stand for what America believes in, but yet want to undermine and 
bring down the government of this country.
  Over the last 2 years we have heard too much about what this 
government has not done. We have heard too much about those who want to 
carry guns on street corners, who want to hole up in places like 
Montana or bomb buildings in places like Oklahoma. I think the Olympic 
challenge for America is to develop the Olympic spirit. That spirit is 
one of a Carl Lewis, a native Houstonian from the community which I 
represent; someone who said, as he reflected that many said to him, 
having

[[Page H8801]]

won several medals, eight, to be exact, before this last one, ``Go out 
in a flare. Do not do this to yourself.'' Carl Lewis, a great 
humanitarian, a friend to young people, had first of all determination.
  Second of all, he was a good sports person. He knew and understood 
what sportsmanship was all about. He had pride in himself and in his 
Nation. He believed, as well, in the fact that if he just simply went 
one more step he might be successful; 27 feet 10 inches and three-
quarters. And he had a can-do attitude.
  That is the Olympic challenge for America, to rise to the occasion of 
the U.S. women's gymnast team, something accomplished that none of us 
would have ever expected; or to have the strength of personality to 
accept the pain of a Kerri Strug from Houston, TX; or Michael Johnson, 
from Baylor University in Texas, who will cast his lot to historically 
do the 200 meters and then 500 meters; and yes, the U.S. women's 
basketball team, that recognizes that it is valuable to have men and 
women understand what sportsmanship is all about; and the gold that was 
won by Shannon Miller.

  We as Americans have so much to be proud of; not to point the finger 
at Atlanta, a city that has done a very able and wonderful job, a job 
where it has opened its doors to all citizens around the world, 
representing over 197 countries. It was not that it had a tragic and 
terrible act, it was a tragic act of a human being gone wrong. We 
should embrace our sister city and congratulate them, for on behalf of 
Americans, they have done us proud.

                              {time}  1745

  But more importantly from the Olympic challenge, we should be able to 
both admire and to accept the challenge given to us by these young 
athletes from whatever country they have come, that they have shown 
determination, that they have rejected hatred, that they have embraced 
each other as brothers and sisters, that they have a can-do attitude, 
that they worked as a team and, yes, most of all that they have shown 
the kind of affinity for the law of rules and order that they would 
respect human life and human dignity. Sadly, someone in this country 
possibly did not.
  And so it behooves this Congress to respond by leadership and 
recognizing that we disrespect and that we do not hold to violent talk 
or violent acts and that we join together as a Nation, not dividing, 
not castigating names but yet recognizing that we stand as one and fall 
divided. Be proud of Atlanta and what it has done, appreciate the 
Justice Department, Director Freeh and the FBI for what they have done, 
know that swift justice and fair justice will be brought to the 
perpetrator of this terrible act, but the Olympic challenge for America 
is for us to stand unified behind the Constitution that we all are 
created equal, that we have inalienable rights to pursue happiness, and 
that we must stand for equality and the first amendment.
  Mr. Speaker, I rise to commend the wonderful work done by several of 
the athletes who are from my State of Texas who have brought home the 
gold.
  The news of violence at the Olympics over this weekend could not 
detract from the Olympic Spirit displayed by the fans and the wonderful 
collection of talented athletes from around the world, nor should it 
have.
  Each of them are heroes in their resolve not to allow terrorists or 
hatemongers to take away the unity of purpose that has led us to this 
point in world history.

  The first recorded Olympics were held every 4 years at the ancient 
sanctuary in Greece from 776 B.C. until they were abolished in 394 B.C. 
They were revived in the late 19th century by French Baron Pierre de 
Coubertin with the first modern games held in Athens in 1896.
  This year marks the 100th-year-anniversary of the modern olympic 
games. This is also only the fourth time in modern olympic history that 
the United States has been the host of the Summer Olympic Games.
  The Olympic games are about challenges to the height and breadth of 
human physical, mental, and emotional endurance.
  Today, I would like to recognize the wonderful contributions that 
Kerri Strug of Houston, TX, one of the members of the U.S. Gymnastics 
Team dubbed Mag 7 by fans of the sport, who showed real team spirit in 
assisting her teammates win the team gold medal.
  Carl Lewis, who upon the completion of his 27 feet 10 and \3/4\ 
inches in the long jump, has achieved a record 9 gold medals. He is one 
of Houston's best known athletic personalities, but he is also a great 
humanitarian and community supporter of youth athletics.
  I will not leave out those who are not from Houston, TX. Michael 
Johnson of Dallas, TX has also made us all proud as Texans with his 
gold medal performance in the 400-meter race. I would like to join many 
well-wishers in extending my hope for a second gold in the 200-meter 
race to be held later in the games.
  I wish all of these fine athletes and their families my warmest 
congratulations and wish them a speedy and safe return home to Texas.

                          ____________________