[Congressional Record Volume 145, Number 40 (Monday, March 15, 1999)]
[House]
[Pages H1261-H1262]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




             REBECCA MASON'S PETITION FOR CHRISTIAN VALUES

  The SPEAKER pro tempore. Under a previous order of the House, the 
gentleman from North Carolina (Mr. Jones) is recognized for 5 minutes.
  Mr. JONES of North Carolina. Mr. Speaker, I have the honor of 
representing a very special part of North Carolina. I represent the 
Third District, which includes 18 counties in the eastern part of the 
State.
  We have beautiful beaches, sprawling farmland, a strong military 
presence, and wonderful people who I am sure any one of my colleagues 
would be proud to represent.
  As I travel throughout the District, I am reminded that, despite 
whatever problems may face our Nation, there are communities that still 
cherish the Judeo-Christian principles this great Nation was founded 
upon, the same values that make our Nation and our citizens strong.
  I am proud of each and every citizen of eastern North Carolina, 
because the

[[Page H1262]]

majority have a great respect and admiration for the Bible and the 
Constitution.
  Because of this, I very rarely like to single out any one person. 
However, I am recognizing a very special 10-year-old girl from 
Goldsboro, North Carolina. Rebecca Mason and her family attend Rosewood 
First Baptist Church in Goldsboro.
  One day Rebecca learned some frightening statistics about the rate of 
crime and violence in our Nation's neighborhoods. I am proud of 
Rebecca, not simply out of her concern for a problem, but in our 
actions to address the problem.
  Rebecca could not understand why more adults of faith were not 
fighting to combat these issues. So with the support of her family and 
her church, she developed a petition to alert us to the same statistics 
that prompted her to act. Her petition calls upon all Americans to 
stand up for the morals and values we learn from the Bible.
  I could tell my colleagues about Rebecca's petition, but I think the 
words of a child are often more powerful than our own. Mr. Speaker, she 
wrote, ``The people of America are crying out for a return to Christian 
values. Drug and alcohol abuse are plaguing our Nation. More people 
have died in alcohol-related crashes than have died in all the wars the 
United States has ever fought. America is leading the way to teen 
pregnancy, illiteracy and divorce. Since 1973, over 30 million children 
have been murdered in the name of convenience. Teenage runaways are on 
the rise, and America averages one teenage suicide every 1 hour and 45 
minutes. Suicide is the third leading cause of death to those under the 
age of 25.''
  ``With the restriction of prayer in school, our Nation has gone on a 
downhill slide. The only way to put our Nation on the right path is to 
turn toward God. We, as Christian Americans, would like to ensure the 
rights of our children to pray freely in schools. We would like to have 
increased regulations on drug- and alcohol-related crimes and the 
repeal of legal abortions in America. It is time we all make a stand 
for God and Christian values. By signing this petition, you will show 
your concern on these issues to our local, State, and national 
leaders.''
  Mr. Speaker, Rebecca's petition reminds me of one of my favorite 
Bible verses. It is from Isaiah, book 6, verse 8; and it reads, ``Also 
I heard the voice of the Lord, saying Whom shall I send, and who will 
go for us? Then said I, Here I am; send me.''
  Mr. Speaker, Rebecca is serving as a messenger to remind my 
colleagues and I that this country was founded on Judeo-Christian 
principles.
  I am proud of Rebecca and all the young people like her who work to 
remind us that, during difficult times, we need to draw strength from 
our faith and return to the values that make America strong.
  In his farewell address, George Washington said, ``Of all the 
dispositions and habits which lead to political prosperity, religion 
and morality are indispensable supports.''
  Even at 10 years of age, Rebecca Mason recognizes the importance of 
faith and morality. She represents the strength and character that 
promises a bright future for our Nation. I am thankful that Rebecca has 
allowed me to be part of her efforts. That is why I am here today to 
share with my colleagues what concerns our children have about the 
future of our Nation.
  Whether it begins with Federal, State, or local leaders, the teachers 
in our schools, or the families in our communities, we must all take 
responsibility for the future and help our children learn the 
importance of morality and faith. But we need to act now. Our children 
are asking for our help.
  I hope that concerned people of faith will join me in signing 
Rebecca's petition for Christian values. It is time that we show our 
children we care about the future and we work together to return to the 
values that strengthen this Nation and its citizens.

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