[Congressional Record Volume 143, Number 4 (Tuesday, January 21, 1997)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E108]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




[[Page E108]]



                     A TRIBUTE TO THE SAGINAW NEWS

                                 ______
                                 

                             HON. DAVE CAMP

                              of michigan

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, January 21, 1997

  Mr. CAMP. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to call my colleagues' attention 
to an editorial in the Saginaw News. To open the New Year, the editors 
published a set of principles. These principles remind us that our 
local communities are the wellspring of America's greatness, and an 
endless source of inspiration for our national leaders.
  Put forth in these principles are many of the driving forces behind 
the work we do in Congress and the vision we share for our country: 
lower taxes, a smaller government, and economic opportunity for all 
Americans. I believe these principles serve as goalposts for the 105th 
Congress as well. I urge my colleagues to read the News' basic 
principles as we begin work in the new Congress.
  Mr. Speaker, at this time I would like to submit the editorial from 
the January 1, 1997 edition of the Saginaw News:

               Issues and Opinions: Our Basic Principles

       The principles a newspaper holds may often be obscured by 
     the rush of day-to-day events. But we think it's important 
     for readers to know that our views of those issues are guided 
     by a set of fundamental beliefs.
       That's why The Saginaw News each year publishes a statement 
     of the principles on which it intends to base editorial-page 
     comments over the days and months to come.
       Each matter on which we express our opinion is reviewed and 
     judged on its own merits. As circumstances change, they may 
     prompt a fresh look at our own ideas.
       But the constant process of review and judgment that leads 
     to editorial opinion rests on a firm foundation. Some issues 
     are transitory; others, more fundamental to our lives and our 
     society, bear repeated attention.
       While the thoughts here are general expressions of ideas 
     and ideals, they help determine our approach to the people, 
     events and proposals that shape our life.
       Our basic goal is to speak in which we perceive to be the 
     best interests of our readers.
       Editorials, while based on reporting and analysis of news 
     events and developments, express a viewpoint. So we expect 
     disagreement. If we stimulate independent thought and 
     discussion, we believe we have achieved one of our major 
     purposes whether or not our words have been persuasive.
       But we believe we have an obligation to seek to persuade. A 
     newspaper has a responsibility to its community to be, as 
     best it can, not only its voice to the world, but its 
     interpreter of that world; to be its advocate and defender, 
     and sometimes its critic and counselor, always toward the 
     benefit of its citizens.
       We acknowledge that is a very large responsibility indeed. 
     We welcome any and all suggestions from our readers on how we 
     can better fulfill it. We don't seek to act in place of 
     public opinion, but to give the public an opportunity to 
     expand on its own beliefs.
       That cannot happen, though, without mutual understanding.
       We hope this statement of the principles of The Saginaw 
     News will further that understanding.


                              Local issues

       On Saginaw-area issues. The News supports:
       Efficiently providing the best public service at the lowest 
     possible cost to the taxpayers.
       High-quality representation for all segments of each 
     community.
       Progressive, professional management at county, city and 
     township levels.
       Planning for development of human and physical resources in 
     awareness of the constant challenge for fresh approaches.
       A strong central urban area serving the entire community.
       Maximum cooperation among all governments, with 
     consolidation of municipal services to the greatest possible 
     extent.
       Recognition that racial and ethnic diversity is a strength 
     on which to build toward the common goals that unite us.
       Strong human-relations efforts to assure dignity and equal 
     opportunity for all.
       Care for our streets and homes, because a community can be 
     no better than its neighborhoods.
       School systems that provide a comprehensive education.
       Strong academic and behavioral standards for students; 
     quality instruction and administration; and equitable public 
     financial support adequate to achieve those goals.
       The free-enterprise profit system as that which most fully 
     ensures economic liberty and a high standard of economic life 
     to business, industry and employees.
       Expansion of job opportunities, and diversification of the 
     economic base, in recognition of the serious challenges 
     of constantly changing times.
       Workplace policies respecting the rights of employees, 
     management--and the public.


                              state issues

       On state issues, The News supports:
       A fair system of taxation to maintain efficient, quality 
     state services at the lowest possible cost.
       Achievement of an economic climate conducive to retaining 
     existing industry and diversifying Michigan's economic base.
       Preservation of Michigan's natural beauty and resources 
     while balancing the legitimate needs of the state's 
     agriculture, other economic institutions and population.
       Recognition that the auto industry remains the region's and 
     state's economic mainstay.
       Swift and fair administration of justice. Respect for the 
     law by citizens--and of citizens by the law and those sworn 
     to enforce it.
       Political leadership, at the state level and in our 
     representation at the national level, that responds to the 
     needs of the state and its people.


                            national issues

       On national issues, The News supports:
       A limited government under which political power rests in 
     the wisdom of the governed, and the rights of the people to 
     control their own destinies, through their representatives.
       Strong defense of the Bill of Rights as the unique section 
     of a unique Constitution on which rests preservation of our 
     most fundamental individual liberties.
       A decent respect for the financial resources of our 
     citizens, expressed through restraint in taxation and 
     spending.
       Policies encouraging the opportunity to seek and find 
     employment for all who desire it.
       A strong, efficient defense, essential amid a changing 
     world's twists and turns.
       Safeguarding the national environment consistent with 
     economic stability and growth.
       Maintaining the strength of political parties as American 
     institutions best able to build citizen interest and 
     involvement in government, and to develop responsible 
     leadership.


                          international issues

       On international issues, The News supports:
       A foreign policy that stresses the desire of the United 
     States to live in harmony with all nations; that recognizes 
     the right of all peoples to peaceful self-determination; that 
     encourages the continued expansion of freedom in all nations; 
     that advocates nonviolent resolution of disputes; that 
     recognizes that remaining threats to our freedom, and 
     others', require strong alliances to deter aggression even as 
     we welcome the reduction of the danger of war.
       Free and fair trade as the interdependent economies of the 
     world evolve in new directions.
       The right of all people to achieve and maintain a decent 
     standard of living, to develop and prosper.


                             personal life

       Finally, The Saginaw News believes there is more to the 
     quality of life than our personal relationships, jobs and 
     leisure activities. The News believes in encouraging people 
     to look beyond themselves. We believe that life becomes more 
     satisfying and meaningful when we care about all our 
     neighbors and the community of which we all are a part.

                          ____________________