[Congressional Record Volume 146, Number 102 (Wednesday, September 6, 2000)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1405]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




            IN HONOR OF PUERTO RICO ON ITS CONSTITUTION DAY

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. DENNIS J. KUCINICH

                                of ohio

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, September 6, 2000

  Mr. KUCINICH. Mr. Speaker, I rise to honor the citizens of Puerto 
Rico on Constitution Day, July 25, 1999. The people of Puerto Rico 
established Constitution of the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico for the 
very same reasons our forefathers wrote the Constitution of the United 
States of America, to establish themselves as a democracy.
  The Puerto Rican Constitution ensures basic welfare and human rights 
for the people, ensconces the idea of a government which reflects the 
will of the people, and pays tribute and loyalty to the Constitution of 
the United States of America.
  The Puerto Rican culture is a distinctly unique culture. By pledging 
allegiance to the Constitution of the United States of America, the 
people of Puerto Rico celebrate shared beliefs and the coexistence of 
both cultures. By ratifying their own Constitution, the people of 
Puerto Rico retain and honor their original heritage while expressing 
the desire to pursue democracy and happiness for themselves.
  Mr. Speaker, I would like to recognize the following individuals for 
their contributions to the Greater Cleveland: Rev. Tomas Acevedo, Dr. 
Barbara Bird-Bennet, Lcdo. Jose Feliciano, Ray Galindo, Barbara Gill, 
Magda Gomez, Chris Hernandez, Vivian Riccio, Aurea Rivera, Diana Del 
Rosario, Ramon Torres. I hope that my fellow colleagues will join me in 
honoring these individuals and praising the Puerto Rican people as they 
celebrate Constitution Day.

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