[Congressional Record Volume 146, Number 130 (Tuesday, October 17, 2000)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1806]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




         IN RECOGNITION OF JAMES FORSYTH--AN EXEMPLARY ACTIVIST

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                        HON. FORTNEY PETE STARK

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, October 17, 2000

  Mr. STARK. Mr. Speaker, today I ask my colleagues to join me in 
paying recognition to a true progressive activist, Jim Forsyth. As Jim 
continues to fight tirelessly for labor, the environment, housing, 
seniors, and civil rights, he is an ever-present voice speaking out 
wherever there is injustice or human need.
  Jim was born on July 14, 1927, Bastille Day in Brooklyn, New York. 
After graduating from Williams College, where he joined the progressive 
movement, Jim came to California's Bay Area to work on the assembly 
line in General Motors. Jim and his late wife Fran were the dutiful 
parents of five children.
  Jim is a member of several progressive groups and organizations. He 
is proud to have been a part of the pro-union group, the Plant Closure 
Project. Jim is secretary of the South Hayward Parish and was in charge 
of food distribution at the Parish for ten years. He distributed food 
every Saturday morning and most Wednesday. He is currently secretary of 
the Congress for Seniors handling mailing and developing flyers--many 
times at his own expense. Jim also lends his expertise to the 
California Consumers Health Care Council and the Californians for 
Justice. In 1967, Jim founded the Progressive Hayward Demos Democratic 
Club and is the current newsletter editor. His other memberships 
include the Starr King Universal Unitarian Church, the Federation of 
Retired Union Members, and Vote Health.
  Jim has been a long-time opponent of war as a means of solving 
economic or social problems. He began by speaking out against the 
Korean War and continued with the Vietnam War when Jim, Fran, and their 
children marched in numerous protests.
  In all of these groups and activities for elections and social 
change, Jim Forsyth works tirelessly, willingly, and with enthusiasm. 
He is proud of his work. This is his life and his recreation. He feels 
responsible for attempting to make the world a better place for working 
people.
  Jim's friends and colleagues will honor his work on October 19, 2000 
at a public ceremony. I join his friends and admirers in thanking him 
for his years of service and I am proud that he has been my friend for 
several years.

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