[Congressional Record Volume 146, Number 140 (Monday, October 30, 2000)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E2022]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                       IN HONOR OF PETER AKINYELE

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. DENNIS J. KUCINICH

                                of ohio

                    in the house of representatives

                        Monday, October 30, 2000

  Mr. KUCINICH. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize a truly 
remarkable man, one who genuinely exemplifies what it means to be a 
loving, peaceful person, even under the most adverse circumstances.
  On Thursday, September 14, around 11:00 pm, Peter Akinyele's 16-year-
old neighbor asked to use his phone. He did, only to return with a 
friend--and a gun. The young boys demanded money while holding the 
weapon to Peter's head, and yet the 67-year-old maintained a calm, 
collected composure, asking them simply to ``put the gun down.''
  Peter Akinyele also maintained his composure as the boys proceeded to 
slash his throat open, beat him and bound his hands and feet with an 
electrical cord. Near unconscious, the boys threw him in the basement, 
ignoring his last request: ``Please don't set the house on fire,'' as 
he collapsed from pain and fatigue. Peter awoke to the smell of 
gasoline and smoke, and the sound of firefighters extinguishing the 
blaze. Peter broke through a basement window with his bare hand, and, 
shouting for help, was eventually heard amidst the chaos. Finally, his 
ordeal was over and he was brought to safety.
  To this day, Peter Akinyele has no trace of anger toward his young 
and ruthless attackers. Throughout the entire fiasco, he says, his main 
concern was not only that he would live to see the next day, but that 
the boys would have a future themselves. Realizing the potential danger 
if he struggled for control of the gun, he simply talked to the young 
boys, saying ``Please don't shoot me. Don't do this. This is not the 
right thing to do.'' Even when someone was attempting to brutally end 
his life, Peter Akinyele remained strong-willed, and yet empathetic. He 
would not give up this own life, but he would not even attempt to harm 
theirs for the sake of his own survival. Certainly, this is a man who 
does not believe in fighting violence with more violence.
  My fellow colleagues, Peter Akinyele is a man who deserves the 
highest respects for his noble suffering. Many people can look to him 
as an example of the peaceful nature and genuinely loving heart that 
all should aim to cultivate in their lives. I commend him for his 
courage, bravery, and loving heart.

                          ____________________