[Congressional Record Volume 143, Number 112 (Friday, August 1, 1997)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1588]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                           HONORING THE BRONX

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. ELIOT L. ENGEL

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, July 31, 1997

  Mr. ENGEL. Mr. Speaker, today I rise not to praise a person, but 
rather the spirit of a group of people--the residents of the Bronx.
  My borough, where I was born, live and which I am proud now to 
represent in the House of Representatives, became a regular stop in 
Presidential politics as a symbol of inner city decay and was 
nationally televised during a World Series game as burning. The borough 
became an example of desolation for Hollywood. When people said Bronx 
Zoo they meant it as a term of derision, not the world famous facility 
it is.
  But throughout it all the people of the Bronx knew how to work with 
sparse resources, how to work together, and how to go the distance.
  Community groups joined to make the most of what was available. 
Through their perseverance they showed what could be accomplished by 
keeping their eye on the prize and not on the distractions.
  The hard work of our people showed they cared deeply about their home 
county. They worked on the problems that plague all American cities: 
crime, poverty, inadequate education, and homelessness among others.
  They worked for 20 years and their work has now been recognized by 
the National Civic League and the Allstate Foundation which named the 
Bronx one of 10 All American Cities.
  Now the world knows what we Bronxites have known for a while--the 
Bronx is back and better than ever. Being named an All American City is 
a cheer for the Bronx from the rest of the country which is richly 
deserved.

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