[Congressional Record Volume 145, Number 65 (Thursday, May 6, 1999)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E880]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




           PRAYING FOR THE SAFETY AND FUTURE OF OUR CHILDREN

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                           HON. NICK LAMPSON

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                         Thursday, May 6, 1999

  Mr. LAMPSON Mr. Speaker, I rise this morning on the 48th National Day 
of Prayer to ask all of you and the American people to join me in 
praying for the safety of our children.
  Today's youth are growing up in a world very different from the one I 
knew years ago. We live in an age where most families require two 
incomes to make ends meet, and nearly half of all marriages end in 
divorce. Our children simply do not have as much supervision or 
guidance as we did. Add to that, the dangers of drugs and the 
prevalence of gangs and violence in our schools--as any parent knows, 
it is not an easy time to raise a family or to be a student.
  My father died when I was a young boy, leaving my mother to fend for 
me and my brothers and sister. She couldn't have done it alone. In 
those days, neighbors looked out for each other and watched out for 
each other's kids. Our family received support from the entire 
community. In fact, our friends and neighbors considered us an 
extension of their own families. That's an important reason why my 
siblings and I were able to achieve our goals and live the American 
Dream.
  Now more than ever, our schools, churches, synagogues, mosques, and 
temples need to stand together with our families to set an example for 
our children. Our kids are the future and we must invest as much time 
and energy into their well-being as possible.
  I ask that we all pray for not only our teachers, counselors, and 
students, but also our law enforcement officials who are charged with 
the responsibility of protecting our children. It takes all of us to 
ensure that our children can enjoy their childhood and grow up to be 
successful adults.

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