[Congressional Record Volume 144, Number 7 (Thursday, February 5, 1998)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E112-E113]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


            REPORT FROM INDIANA--GREENSBURG DRUG-FREE RALLY

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. DAVID M. McINTOSH

                               of indiana

                    in the house of representatives

                       Thursday, February 5, 1998

  Mr. McINTOSH. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to give my Report from 
Indiana. Every weekend, I travel around the 2nd Congressional District 
of Indiana from Richmond to Muncie, Anderson to Greensburg.
  And so often, people share with me amazing stories about their 
friends and neighbors who have done amazing things. These individuals 
are good people who make our communities better places to live. They 
give us hope for the future that our best days are yet to come.
  In my book, these individuals are Hoosier Heroes. Hoosier Heroes 
because they set examples for all of us to live by. But more 
importantly they make us proud.
  Today, I would like to share with you about a special event that was 
organized by teachers, parents, and community leaders in Greensburg, 
Indiana to help protect the children of the community from the effects 
of drug abuse. On Wednesday, October 29th over 300 students gathered on 
the Decatur County Courthouse Lawn for the first ever Red Ribbon Week 
Drug-Free Rally.
  The students listened to speeches from several local leaders 
encouraging them to stay away from drugs and to help protect the future 
of their community. They were reminded that they will face many 
difficult challenges in life, but that they have to use their good 
judgement when it comes to situations involving drugs.
  Greensburg Mayor Frank Manus told the students that ``When people 
offer you drugs, just remember that it is a test. When you are in those 
situations you have to be on your toes. Life is a test.''
  Mike Riley, Chief of the Greensburg City Police, reminded the 
students to live up to their commitment not to use drugs, telling them 
that ``You are now saying you are against drugs, but now you've got to 
live as you say.''
  Bob Bostic, Executive Director of the Greensburg Area Chamber of 
Commerce, reminded the students that by saying no to drugs, they are 
helping to make the Greensburg community a better place for everyone, 
saying that ``We are at war against drugs, and you have come down here 
today to say no to drugs and yes to a clean life and yes to a clean 
community.''
  Keith Hipskind, Coach of the Greensburg Community High School Boys' 
Basketball team, told the students that they can always rely on their 
families and people in their community for help and support when they 
have a problem, saying that ``We all have problems. They're not going 
to go away. Just remember that you have good leaders to lean on 
throughout the problem's duration.''
  I was especially touched by a poem that was written for the rally by 
Sarah Nahmias. Sarah is currently a member of the Greensburg Community 
School Board and has been active in issues involving education and 
children in the local community. I would like to share the poem that 
Sarah wrote for the children of the Greensburg community:

     ``Well, the teachers all announced that there would be Red 
         Ribbon Week
     And you felt ``if I show interest, then my friends will call 
         me a `geek.' ''
     But you'll see as each day passes it's unto your heart we 
         speak.
     Be brave enough to just say no--don't fall back and become 
         meek.

     When you each unite together to celebrate this ``dare''
     You will find so many other whose strength you then can 
         share.
     And just like the little child who stepped up when no one was 
         there
     You can help in such a big way if you only show you care.

     Yes, you've heard all of the facts about what happens on the 
         drugs
     Your mind will turn to mush and you'll slither like a slug.
     You'll often think--``oh, what the heck,'' your shoulders you 
         might shrug
     But poppin' pills to get your thrills won't last quite like a 
         hug.

     Some say to drag on cigarettes or pack a wad of chew
     Is for them the only measure of how to show they're cool.
     But let me tell you of the toll which will come to each of 
         you
     Though not so brisk--you'll think `no risk,' Oh, please don't 
         be a fool.

     Should I tell you of the money you will spend, if that you 
         choose?
     You could buy yourself a nice new car--or just cigarettes and 
         booze.
     Or should I introduce the friend of mine who can no longer 
         speak?
     You see, they cut his tongue and throat--the cancer's made 
         him weak.
     Or would you rather hear of Gramps who we all hold so dear?
     He misses the games the grandkids play--they'll never hear 
         him cheer.
     Or the dad who just retired, looking forward to his golf?
     But he can't play that much--he has the time, but breath, 
         there's not enough.

     There'll be someone who's out there who will offer you some 
         grass.
     You may answer--``no, no drugs for me.'' They'll laugh then 
         as you pass.
     So gather `round your friends and find the strength you need 
         to fight
     And stand up for the only thing you know--it's only right.

     For if you make the choice to give into the ones who push
     So many things will pass you by while you're sitting on your 
         tush.
     Perhaps you'll want it easy--the work seems much too hard
     But self-respect and true reward come from trying `til you're 
         tired.

     Perhaps it is particularly tough, to stand up all alone.
     Your friends all seem to do it, and you see it in your home.
     But YOU CAN make a difference--believe me just one step
     Say ``no that's not the way I want to live''--and get a grip
     Make the promise to yourself, be proud it's one you've kept.

     The toughest one you may just face--a teenager with beer.
     If you don't chug-a-lug with them, they'll point to you and 
         jeer.
     But walk away and say, ``no way, I'm more valuable than 
         that''
     And find the safety with your friends with whom you'll need 
         to chat.
     Talk about how hard it is to fight and to resist
     Dare to show the strength you hold in your heart--and not 
         your fist.
     Then you will have more than anyone can ever offer you
     Because you dared to take a stand and say, ``I know what I 
         must do!''

     Each one of you who sit here has a value each his own
     Whether you live in a fancy house or don't even have a phone
     It's the individuality that's deep within your heart
     That makes you oh so special and sets you so apart.

     So pull from there and take the dare to stay away from drugs.
     A simple promise to yourself with friends--to not give in to 
         thugs.
     Surround yourself with friends like those you find 'round 
         here today.
     For if you're feeling weak, then they can help you on your 
         way.

     For as the story told us, we don't have to be alone
     There are many all around us to support us--here or home
     So lean upon your brother to your left or to your right
     And all please join together for this most important fight.

     You see it isn't just adults who are preaching what to do
     But people in your community who are reaching out to you.
     Allow us all to share our strength to fight this ugly war.
     After all--each one of you is most worth fight for!''

  Every day, children across this country are confronted with decisions 
regarding drugs. It is important that these children have the knowledge 
and the strength to deal with these situations appropriately. I salute 
these men and women in Greensburg who are doing their part to help the 
children of their community make

[[Page E113]]

the right choices in life and secure a brighter future.
  And that, Mr. Speaker, is my Report from Indiana.

                          ____________________