[Congressional Record Volume 143, Number 44 (Tuesday, April 15, 1997)]
[House]
[Page H1461]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
NEIGHBOR HELPING NEIGHBOR
(Mr. PEASE asked and was given permission to address the House for 1
minute and to revise and extend his remarks.)
Mr. PEASE. Mr. Speaker, April 15 is the day notorious among
Americans. We dread the tax deadline, despair over the amount of money
we turn over to the Government and wonder how much benefit it will
reap. Many citizens assume that, once they pay their taxes, the
Government will take care of everything. History has proven this
untrue.
What history proves is that this Nation is great because of a
tradition of neighbor helping anybody or and community and faith-based
institutions assisting others when they need help. This tradition
allows people to take responsibility for themselves and their neighbors
rather than abdicating this responsibility to the government.
I join the hundreds of thousands of others today in celebrating
National Youth Service Day and the 10th anniversary of Youth as
Resources. Gathering today in Indiana is a group of unique young
people. The Coalition of Community Foundations for Youth has gathered
teenagers from all walks of life and all ages, from the poorest to the
wealthiest, who actively participate in community service and allows
them to exchange ideas and discuss models for improving the quality of
life in their own neighborhoods.
One such partnership is in my district, at the Wabash Valley
Community Foundation in Terre Haute, IN. The Youth Grant Committee
involves young people in evaluating projects for awards to other young
people and in the process allows them to take responsibility for their
future.
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