[Congressional Record Volume 147, Number 172 (Wednesday, December 12, 2001)]
[Senate]
[Pages S13045-S13046]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




           COMCAST CARES DAY AT ANACOSTIA SENIOR HIGH SCHOOL

 Mr. BIDEN. Mr. President, on October 13, 2001, as part of 
Comcast's nationwide Day of Service, and in conjunction with Greater DC 
Cares, several hundred Comcast employees from the Washington, DC area 
volunteered to clean, landscape, and paint Anacostia Senior High 
School. In the wake of the tragedy of September 11, the Comcast 
Foundation has contributed $100 to disaster relief efforts in New York 
City and at the Pentagon for every employee and family member who 
participated in the clean-up. Comcast and every participating employee 
should be commended for their outstanding dedication and commitment to 
improving their community.
  Nationwide, more than five thousand Comcast employees from twenty-six 
States volunteered their time on Comcast Cares Day. Though it may have 
been the work of only one corporation and one group of employees, 
Comcast's community service and the volunteer spirit of its employees 
represents the best of America.
  The best of America can also be seen in other places around our 
country. Since September 11, Americans have risen to the occasion to 
aid their fellow citizen. In every city and town across America, 
individuals have taken the lead in community efforts like the one at 
Anacostia Senior High School. In my home State of Delaware, 
corporations such as Daimler-Chrysler, MBNA Bank and the DuPont 
Corporation have lent a helping hand to assist those in need. 
Furthermore, fire companies, school children, and individuals from all 
walks of life have come together providing assistance and comfort to 
the victims of the horrible September 11 attack.
  Not to overstate the case, but there seems to be a renewed spirit of 
community in America where, not long ago, we seemed more divided by 
differences than united by common concerns and shared values. 
Corporations like Comcast and their employees have heard the call. They 
have pulled together and responded where there is a need and, in the 
District of Columbia, Anacostia Senior High School was the place. It 
was not the work that was done there on October 13, or the time and 
sweat of all those who volunteered, that should inspire us the most, 
but the overriding sense that all of us working together can make a 
difference in our communities.
  After the tragedy of September 11, Americans responded when we saw 
the courage and dedication of New York police, firemen, and emergency 
workers. From their example have come story after story of corporations 
like Comcast reaching out, taking a lead in their communities, and 
making a difference. Comcast, The Comcast Foundation, and the dedicated 
employees who participated in making a difference at Anacostia Senior 
High School should be commended by all of us in the United States 
Senate who know how much we can accomplish when we work together.
  Yet, this sense of corporate responsibility is not new for the 
Comcast Corporation. Comcast always has been an active participant in 
the communities it serves. Whether it is their support of the Boys and 
Girls Clubs of America, the Red Cross, or the Easter Seals, Comcast has 
insisted on excellence not

[[Page S13046]]

only in all aspects of its operation, but in its record of public 
service. This is a testament to the leadership of its founder and 
Chairman, Ralph Roberts, President, Brian Roberts, and Vice President, 
Joe Waz. These men serve as role-models in their communities and are 
true heroes in every sense of the word.
  If we learned anything from September 11 it was that the will and 
resolve of the American people cannot be shaken by those who would use 
terror as a weapon and religion as a shield. We are strongest and at 
our best when we are defending American values and the bedrock 
principles of democracy. If anything changed on September 11 it was a 
renewed determination for all of us to reach out where and when we can, 
and to recognize that we are much more united by our common concerns 
and shared values than divided by our individual differences. Companies 
like Comcast have recognized a community need, reached out, and made a 
difference, and they deserve the recognition of a grateful 
Nation.

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