[Congressional Record Volume 143, Number 30 (Tuesday, March 11, 1997)]
[Senate]
[Page S2146]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                         ADDITIONAL STATEMENTS

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                          TRIBUTE TO TED STONE

 Mr. FAIRCLOTH. Mr. President, today I would like to recognize 
a great American from my home State, a man who is working to show all 
Americans that individuals can make a difference in the war against 
drugs. Ted Stone, a native of Durham, NC, wanted to do something to 
raise awareness about our Nation's drug problems. Ted has been a 
motivational speaker for over 20 years now on the subject of drug 
abuse. He has spoken to millions of people in churches, schools, civic 
organizations, prisons, and drug treatment facilities. But he wanted to 
do something more.
  On March 14, 1996, here in Washington, DC, on the steps of our 
Nation's Capitol, Ted began a 3,700 mile walk across America. He 
completed that trek on November 19 of last year in Los Angeles, CA on 
the steps of city hall.
  Ted's dramatic journey across America took him to the State capitals 
of Texas, New Mexico, and Arizona, where he brought his antidrug 
message personally to Gov. George W. Bush, Gov. Gary Johnson, and 
Governor Fife Symington.
  Ted carried an American flag with him throughout his walk across our 
beautiful country as a symbol that the American spirit can turn the 
tide in our Nation's war on drugs. Working together in our local 
communities I, too, believe we can raise awareness of our Nation's drug 
abuse problems.
  At one point on his journey, a little boy asked Ted if he was like 
Forrest Gump. Ted replied:

       No, because when people asked Forrest Gump why he was 
     walking, he didn't know. I'm walking so that boys like you 
     can grow up in a country that is drug-free.
  Ted believes, as I do, that the war on drugs will not be won in the 
courtroom or even here in Congress, but in our local communities. And 
in fact, Ted knows personally about winning the war on drugs, because 
he himself is a recovered amphetamine addict. He is living proof that 
individuals can overcome drug addiction.
  Today I hope my colleagues will join me in saluting a great American, 
Ted Stone, for his efforts to keep our Nation drug-free.

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