[Congressional Record Volume 144, Number 122 (Tuesday, September 15, 1998)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1724]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




  STATEMENT OF THE HONORABLE TOM DeLAY REGARDING THE SUCCESSES OF THE 
                     CHOCTAW INDIANS OF MISSISSIPPI

                                 ______
                                 

                             HON. TOM DeLAY

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                      Tuesday, September 15, 1998

  Mr. DeLay Mr. Speaker, I rise to salute a true economic success 
story--the Choctaw Indians of Mississippi.
  Lead by the dynamic Chief Phillip Martin, the Choctaw Indians, using 
the power of the free market and the philosophy of individual freedom, 
have improved the life of the members of the tribe and the surrounding 
community.
  For over 150 years, the tribe was mired in the deepest poverty 
imaginable. Unemployment was often as high as 75 percent. Life 
expectancy was only 45 years and local education stopped at the sixth 
grade.
  But lead by Chief Martin, the Choctaw Indians have seized the power 
of self-determination and economic freedom. By relying on the power of 
the market and not the power of government the Choctaws have become an 
economic powerhouse. Through their ingenuity and hard work, Chief 
Martin and the Choctaws have established a new paradigm of success for 
all Native Americans.
  I urge other citizens who wish to better their lives to view the 
tribe as a model for success. The Choctaws are a powerful example of 
the miracles that personal freedom can work in the lives of all 
Americans.

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