[Congressional Record Volume 143, Number 21 (Tuesday, February 25, 1997)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E311]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                           COMMUNITY RENEWAL

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. RON PACKARD

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, February 25, 1997

  Mr. PACKARD. Mr. Speaker, President Clinton has stated that ``the era 
of big government is over.'' The challenge today is to begin a new era 
of self-government. The foundation for this renewal must rest on strong 
families, rejuvenated civic associations, active faith-based and 
private charities to aid those who fall through the cracks. The 
cultural challenge for policymakers is to mend the social fabric which 
binds America.
  We need to put the family back together, to improve education, to 
reduce crime and drug abuse, and to protect families from the appalling 
violence in our neighborhoods and on television. To to this, we need to 
find new ways to instill a greater sense of personal responsibility in 
Americans. We must strengthen civic institutions without allowing for 
the dependency and loss of mission which often comes with a government 
subsidy. Empowering citizens to assume the primary responsibility for 
helping the needy through religious, charitable, and civic 
organizations is the answer.
  Mr. Speaker, we need to get back to the basics. We need to emphasize 
values and personal responsibility over hand-outs in order to instill 
the principles of diligence, self-help, and equal opportunity, the 
qualities which make good workers and prosperous Americans. Community 
involvement is the key. During the 105th Congress, I plan to work with 
my colleagues to seek out these opportunities to aid our great Nation 
in ways the Government and Federal funding cannot.
  Last Congress, we brought laudable values to Washington and 
accomplished a great deal: welfare reform, a smaller government, and 
cuts in wasteful Washington spending. As we embark on a new Congress, I 
intend to send more money and power back home so that moms and dads can 
parent again and build strong families; so that parents and teachers 
can work together to give our kids the best education they can get; and 
our communities, once again, become vibrant.

                          ____________________