[Congressional Record Volume 143, Number 128 (Tuesday, September 23, 1997)]
[House]
[Pages H7611-H7612]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




              EDUCATION AT THE HEART OF THE AMERICAN DREAM

  (Mr. BALLENGER asked and was given permission to address the House 
for 1 minute.)
  Mr. BALLENGER. Mr. Speaker, if any issue goes to the heart of the 
concept that every child should have a shot at the American dream, 
education is it. Without a good education, many dreams will lie forever 
beyond the reach of those who wish to get ahead in life.
  But there are many difficult obstacles standing in the way of a good 
education, especially for those born to disadvantage and hardship. Of 
course, it is easy for the liberal elite, safely ensconced in their 
suburban homes and enclaves, to send their own children to exclusive 
private school. But the disadvantaged, the very same people they 
pretend to champion, do not have that luxury.
  That is why it is particularly distressing to see that the liberal 
elite is

[[Page H7612]]

opposed to giving kids a chance to go to a better school, all because 
the special interests would see their power threatened.
  This issue cries for some kind of fairness. It is not fair that some 
kids have to start out with two strikes against them. Let us give 
parents a choice so more kids will have a chance. Parental choice means 
more kids will realize their dreams.

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