[Congressional Record Volume 143, Number 28 (Thursday, March 6, 1997)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E406-E407]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                HONORING JOSHUA TRENT, VFW AWARD WINNER

                                 ______
                                 

                               speech of

                            HON. BART GORDON

                              of tennessee

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, March 5, 1997

  Mr. GORDON. Mr. Speaker, each year the Veterans of Foreign Wars of 
the United States and its ladies auxiliary conduct the Voice of 
Democracy broadcast scriptwriting contest. This year more than 109,000 
secondary school children participated in the contest competing for the 
54 national scholarships which were distributed among the 54 national 
winners. The contest theme this year was ``Democracy--Above and 
Beyond.''
  I am proud to announce that Mr. Joshua Trent from my 6th 
Congressional District in Tennessee won the 1997 Voice of Democracy 
broadcast scriptwriting contest for the State of Tennessee. Like 
myself, Joshua is a resident of Murfreesboro, TN.
  Joshua's script exudes the spirit of enthusiasm that beckons us to 
feel as he does about our great Republic. That Joshua has attained such 
a zeal and been blessed with the talent to convey his feelings, speaks 
well for his future as a leader in America.
  For the benefit of all, I would like to share Joshua's award winning 
script with you at this time.

 1996-97 VFW Voice of Democracy Scholarship Program--Tennessee Winner 
                              Joshua Trent

       Democracy: Above and beyond!
       Man, what kind uv va assignment is this? Teacher say to 
     write a paper on ``Democracy: Above and Beyond''. What in the 
     world does zat mean?
       Come: I will show you. Huh?! Who said that? Me. Who are 
     you? What are you doing here?
       I am the spirit of democracy, I am answering your question. 
     I will show you what ``democracy--above and beyond'' means.
       Look pal, I don's know who you are, but you'd better just 
     go back to wherever you * * * wwhere am I? WWWhas goin' on? 
     Wwhat did you do?
       Look, tell me--who are those men?
       It looks like two pictures of--oh my! That looks like 
     Thomas Jefferson and Ben Franklin--and they're real! Hey! 
     Fellas! Can you see me?
       Quiet! No, they cannot see you, only you can see them. 
     Listen to what they are saying.
       Franklin: ``Congratulations Thomas! You drafted an 
     excellent piece of work! I especially like the part of um * * 
     * `We hold these truths, * * * Would you mind reading that 
     part again?''
       Jefferson: ``Certainly. I am honored that you think it is 
     good Mr. Franklin. Ahem! `We hold these truths to be self-
     evident, that all men are created equal, that they are 
     endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable rights, 
     that among these are life, liberty, and the pursuit of 
     happiness.''
       Franklin: ``Jefferson, you've got a point. That is what 
     it's all about. All men created equal--all men having a say 
     in government--all men having equal chances in business. 
     Democracy, as you know, means ``rule by the people''. That's 
     the idea. Common sense people running the government, not 
     King George or anyone else.
       Come, we must go now, we have more stops to make before our 
     journey is over.
       Hey, that's pretty neat! That was Ben and Tom just chattin 
     away, and dude, they were * * *
       You are missing the point. What did you learn?
       Learn? Uh, well * * * Democracy means that people are 
     level--equal--and that they rule, not some far off king.
       Good. Do you see where we are now?
       Why we've changed again! How do you that? Man, if I could 
     do that . . .
       Look where we are.
       I see where we are, but I don't know where this is. We're 
     in some sort of a balcony, and there are a bunch of guys in 
     suits down there, and there is a big American flag over 
     there. Where are we?
       We are in the balcony of the House of Representatives--in 
     Washington, DC, you are going to learn your next lesson on 
     democracy. Listen, your Congressman is getting ready to 
     speak.
       Cngrsmn: My fellow congressmen, the Democratic style of 
     government which we have, has provided us with over 200 years 
     of political, social, and economic success. True, we have had 
     our differences, disagreements and difficulties, but this 
     system of: government by the people, free enterprise, and the 
     idea that ``all men are created equal'' has propelled us to 
     become a world super power, and has given us the title of the 
     ``greatest nation on earth.'' But democracy is more than 
     American success, it is a form of government where people 
     have freedom. It is not bound by racial or national lines, so 
     I urge you to vote for this bill.
       We must leave now. Catching on?
       Hey, I just realized something. Democracy isn't limited to 
     us! Yeah, other countries are democracies, too. Democracy has 
     helped us succeed, and I guess that was why he wanted them to 
     vote for that bill--so other people could succeed under 
     democracy too!

[[Page E407]]

       Here we are back at your house. Tell me what ``democracy: 
     above and beyond'' means.
       Wait a minute! We've seen Democracy in the past and in the 
     present, so what about the future of democracy?!!!
       You determine tomorrow--the future of democracy. You are 
     tomorrow's leaders, voters, and elected officials. Now, tell 
     me, what did you learn?
       Okay. I learned that Democracy literally means ``rule by 
     the people'', and because of that fact, each vote counts, 
     each man (or woman) matters, and every voice can be heard. 
     Because the basic foundation to democracy is that ``all men 
     are created equal . . . '', democracy is above national lines 
     and beyond racial boundaries. ``Democracy: Above and Beyond'' 
     means that democracy is above and beyond other forms of 
     government. Democracy doesn't mean we don't have problems, 
     but we can meet those problems head-on. Democracy in America 
     started with our founding fathers and has given us national 
     success. But, we are responsible for its success tomorrow. I 
     guess that's it.
       Good job. You did listen. I must go now.
       But where will you be if I need you again?
       As the spirit of democracy, I am alive in each American and 
     every person in the world who yearns for government by the 
     people. You'll be okay, just keep ``democracy--above and 
     beyond!''

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