[Congressional Record Volume 150, Number 22 (Thursday, February 26, 2004)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E243]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




 COMMENTARY ON THE BUSH ADMINISTRATION DNC BLACK HISTORY MONTH PETITION

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                            HON. JOHN LEWIS

                               of georgia

                    in the house of representatives

                      Thursday, February 26, 2004

  Mr. LEWIS of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, I would like to enter the comments 
of some Georgia residents into the Congressional Record. For Black 
History Month, the Democratic National Committee queried African 
Americans asking them to write in and describe how the policies of 
President George W. Bush's administration are affecting them. The 
following are the words of Georgia residents who responded:

       John A. Olagoke, Dallas, Ga: ``Dear Mr. President, For the 
     very first time in American History, I have never seen such a 
     mess up in the American Economy. So many of us African 
     Americans have lost their jobs, their homes, their assets and 
     everything they have worked hard for. I am talking about 
     well-educated people, Mr. President. Most of our 
     telecommunication jobs are being moved overseas for cheaper 
     labor. Last week, again, over 500 co-workers were laid-off at 
     my company. I and others can no longer wait until the 
     November election. I intend to take two of my family members 
     who have not voted for eight years with me to the polling 
     station to express our feelings.''
       Arnitta Lawson, College Park, Ga.: ``In spite of the fact 
     that I have a job, I am very worried that the job I do have 
     will not last. I was laid off once because of 9/11, as well 
     as other family members. [I was] forced to take menial jobs 
     and worry about how to get food for the children, pay bills 
     and try to get a job. I am very distrusting of Republicans 
     such as George W. Bush.''
       Ginny Albert, Atlanta, Ga.: ``Mr. President, because your 
     administration has been so lax and deliberately cruel to the 
     middle class, the corporations who have filled your coffer, 
     thanks to the tax cuts and special initiatives that favor 
     businesses over people, these same corporations now feel that 
     they can be negligent and indifferent toward their customers 
     and employees. They demand more and pay less in every sector. 
     They have cut back on benefits, and in some cases have 
     eliminated benefits altogether. Yes, your lack of true caring 
     toward the non-rich has engendered a sense that cruelty 
     toward people is okay and acceptable, and that employers no 
     longer have to promise their workers anything. And another 
     thing, why have you not initiated a program that will assist 
     the unemployed in keeping their homes. Legislate something 
     that will make it impossible for companies to foreclose on 
     unemployed Americans. The homeless rolls are growing under 
     your administration. If you care, put a stop to it.''

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