[Congressional Record Volume 150, Number 77 (Friday, June 4, 2004)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1035]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




       BUILDING A CULTURE OF PEACE FOR THE CHILDREN OF THE WORLD

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. SHEILA JACKSON-LEE

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                         Thursday, June 3, 2004

  Ms. JACKSON-LEE of Texas. Mr. Speaker, while we face unfinished work 
to create stability and peace both in Iraq, and throughout the Middle 
East, the challenges we face there and the lessons we have learned 
there make it all the more compelling that we set upon the task of 
planting firmly the seeds of peace.
  In the words of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., ``We must concentrate 
not merely on the negative expulsion of war but the positive 
affirmation of peace. We must see that peace represents a sweeter 
music, a cosmic melody that is far superior to the discords of war. 
Somehow, we must transform the dynamics of the world power struggle . . 
. to a positive contest to harness humanity's creative genius for the 
purpose of making peace and prosperity a reality for all the nations of 
the world.''
  It is with this in mind that I am proud to introduce the exhibit 
``Building a Culture of Peace for the Children of the World'' which is 
being presented in cooperation with the Congressional Children's Caucus 
and will be on display in the foyer of the Rayburn House Office 
Building on Thursday-Friday, June 3-4, 2004.
  This exhibit brings together the creative ideas and examples of 
hundreds of people, organizations and movements and focuses on the 
potential of the individual to build peace and security in today's 
world. It seeks to promote a sense among viewers of empowerment as well 
as an awareness of the United Nations declaration of the years 2001-
2010 as the Decade of Building a culture of Peace and Non-violence for 
the Children of the World.
  I also want to recognize the role of Soka Gakkai International which 
has created this remarkable exhibit, and the work of its president, 
Daisaku Ikeda, a widely recognized educator and peace activist, in 
persisting as a voice for peace during these challenging times.
  I urge each of my colleagues to not only view this exhibit; but to be 
mindful of the example we set today for the generations of tomorrow. 
More important for our children than model of the brave warrior, is the 
example of the courageous and creative peace builder. For as the noted 
writer James Baldwin observed: ``Children have never been very good at 
listening to their elders, but they have never failed to imitate them. 
. . .''

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