[Congressional Record Volume 144, Number 60 (Wednesday, May 13, 1998)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E846]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




 HONORING KIRA CORRILLO CORSER, FRANCES PAYNE ADLER AND HEIDI McGURRIN

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                             HON. SAM FARR

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, May 13, 1998

  Mr. FARR of California. Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to announce that 
the works of two photographers and one poet from my district are 
currently on display in the Cannon Rotunda.
  This is the second year that I have hosted ``A Matriot's Dream: 
Health Care for All'' at a reception in the Rayburn Foyer. This 
collection of photographs by Kira Corrilo Corser and poetry by Frances 
Payne Adler creates a visual story of compelling social issues. This 
heart-wrenching exhibit on the plight of the uninsured is a must-see 
for everyone. Many of us don't worry about health care once we've made 
our choice during open season, but what about those who can't afford 
health care; or have maxed out the coverage with horrendously high 
medical costs related to cancer or childhood leukemia; or those who 
simply can't afford the co-pay on medication they must take three times 
a day for high blood pressure. The photographs and poetry go straight 
to the heart on these and other questions.
  Also showing in the Cannon Rotunda is a photo essay on the daily 
lives of the Cuban people. In 1996 the artist, Ms. Heidi McGurrin, 
spent a number of months on a photo-journalistic assignment in Cuba. 
Her current show, ``Cuba: So near . . . yet so far'', presents the 
Cuban people--from a young bride to a homeless man; a man on his pillow 
to a woman hanging laundry--in amazing clarity and detail. Ms. 
McGurrin's work centers mostly around La Habana, Mantazas and Varadero. 
This is an incredible opportunity to meet the Cuban people and gain a 
small insight into their daily lives.
  Ms. McGurrin wrote a short statement which she titled ``Lasting 
impressions of La Habana''. This statement gives you a taste of the 
richness that is Cuba and that shines through Ms. McGurrin's 
photographs. I submit this statement for the Record.

                    Lasting Impressions Of La Habana

     Blown by the winds
     She stands proud and naked
     Pulsing with music
     and beautiful faces . . . jumping colors
     dripping beauty
     open hearts
     a heaven glimpsed . . . a sadness felt
     old passions lived

       A country full of heart, honesty, soul, passion, rhythm.
       Blacks, honey colored mulattos, mixtures of Chinese and 
     Spanish, Cubanos.
       Handsome. Full of music.
       Beautiful souls who sing and dance and cry and feel, whose 
     struggle is for truth, honor, beauty and heaven. Proud.
       Flowers are everywhere, even in the trees, the beautiful 
     trees. The buildings with old ironwork, stained glass, marble 
     everywhere, are like old peeling faded dancers of every color 
     and hue, so regal. Pale blue, deep blue, pale green, 
     burgundys and wines, soft rouge colors, standing like proud 
     haunting crumbling angels.
       The women are beautiful. They pay attention and look at you 
     as though they have never seen anyone like you before, they 
     make you feel very much alive, but kind of like a ghost. You 
     are there but you are not there, just like the buildings . . 
     . the feelings can be elusive.
       Walking through the inner city I saw families sitting in 
     the doorways . . . the least gesture from me would bring such 
     warmth, a beautiful smile. I feel so much love for these 
     people.

     

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