[Congressional Record Volume 149, Number 26 (Wednesday, February 12, 2003)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E190]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                 MARTIN LUTHER KING, JR. ESSAY CONTEST

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. PETER A. DeFAZIO

                               of oregon

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, February 11, 2003

  Mr. DeFAZIO. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate Kate Wagoner, 
a 13-year old resident of Eugene, Oregon. Ms. Wagoner, an eighth grader 
at Thomas Jefferson Middle School, recently won an essay contest held 
in honor of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
  The theme of the essay contest was how Americans can be peacefully 
patriotic, even as the clouds of war loom on the horizon.
  In her insightful essay, Ms. Wagoner notes that peaceful change can 
begin with one individual or one family who cares about others and acts 
on that compassion. However, she goes on to write that it is equally 
important for such individuals to influence the decision-making of 
those in power in order to guarantee a lasting peace.
  As Ms. Wagoner concludes, if the United States dedicates itself to 
helping feed, clothe, house, and educate the needy around the world, 
then we may be able to achieve the ``nonviolent'' coexistence of which 
Dr. King spoke, rather than the ``violent co-annihilation'' of which he 
warned.
  I would encourage my colleagues and others to read Ms. Wagoner's 
essay, which I've included at the end of my remarks.

                   Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., Essay

       Almost 40 years ago, on April 14, 1967, Dr. Martin Luther 
     King said, ``the greatest 17 purveyor of violence in the 
     world today (is) my own govenment.''
       Dr. King's statement is still a powerful message because 
     America continues to use violence around the world. President 
     Bush is pushing for a war in Iraq, while nations like North 
     Korea, South Korea, Pakistan, India, Afghanistan, Israel, and 
     Palestine suffer from U.S. foreign policy decisions.
       How can Americans be peacefully patriotic while our 
     govemment gives the U.S. military more and more to do around 
     the globe? To repeat one of my mother's favorite quotes, 
     ``Never believe that a few caring people can't change the 
     world. For, indeed, that's all who ever have.'' (Margaret 
     Mead, American anthropologist).
       During the holidays, my family gave money to an 
     organization that helps hungry people all over the world feed 
     themselves. The families we help receive donations of goats, 
     sheep, llamas, honey bees, geese, oxen, and other farm 
     animals so they can be more self-sufficient and live 
     healthier lives. Peaceful patriotism is like this donation.
       Around the world, kids like me are starving. Around the 
     world kids like me are soldiers and suicide bombers. Around 
     the world kids like me get sick from drinking dirty water, 
     get shot by soldiers, and step on land mines. Around the 
     world, kids like me struggle to survive. Americans, as 
     peaceful patriots, can help change some of these kids' lives.
       Americans have a right to be proud of their country. This 
     is a nation where people can be and do great things. However, 
     imagine a world where America is also known as a nation that 
     helps people around the globe be and do great things. When 
     the richest and most powerful nation in history dedicates 
     itself to making sure people everywhere are well-fed, housed, 
     clothed, educated, and have hope for the future, peaceful 
     patriotism will change the world.
       It is not enough for my family to practice peaceful 
     patriotism or for your family to make that choice. We have to 
     have people in power making decisions about our relationships 
     with other nations who share our hope for the future of 
     America and of the world. We can each live as peaceful 
     patriots and help many people now, but if we work together to 
     create a nation of peaceful patriots tomorrow, we can make 
     all the world safe; and secure for kids like me.
       The message I want quoted in the future because it descibes 
     America is, ``The greatest purveyor of peace in the world 
     today is my own govemment,''

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