[Congressional Record Volume 157, Number 106 (Friday, July 15, 2011)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1336]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




  TRIBUTE TO THORNE MAGINNIS AND OTHER YOUNG STAFF MEMBERS FOR THEIR 
    CONTRIBUTIONS ON BEHALF OF THE PEOPLE OF THE 37TH CONGRESSIONAL 
                                DISTRICT

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. LAURA RICHARDSON

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                         Friday, July 15, 2011

  Ms. RICHARDSON. Mr. Speaker, it is no exaggeration to say that the 
past few years have been among the challenging in our nation's history. 
The collapse of the housing market, the turmoil on Wall Street and the 
ensuing financial crisis, the severe economic downturn resulting in the 
loss of millions of middle-class jobs, and the ever present threat of 
terrorist attacks on our homeland are enough to make many question 
whether the American Dream is still attainable and to conclude that our 
best days are behind us.
  I do not share this view. The future of our country is bright and I 
firmly believe that our best days lie ahead. One of the reasons I am so 
optimistic that 21st century will be known as the second ``American 
Century'' is the extraordinary quality, talent, commitment, and energy 
of the young people who will in time assume the responsibility of 
leadership.
  Members of Congress know well, perhaps better than most, how blessed 
our nation is to have in reserve such exceptional young men and women 
who will go on to become leaders in their local communities, states, 
and the nation in the areas of business, education, government, 
philanthropy, the arts and culture, and the military.
  We know this because we see them and benefit from their contributions 
every day. Many of them work for us in our offices as junior staff 
members, congressional fellows, or interns and they do amazing work for 
and on behalf of the constituents we are privileged to represent.
  I rise today to pay tribute to the wonderful young men and women who 
have done this work in my office for my constituents.
  Today, I bid farewell to an extraordinary young man, Thorne Maginnis, 
who joined my team in January of last year and who will be moving on to 
attend law school this fall at the University of Virginia. From his 
first day on my staff Thorne's talents as writer, analyst, and 
researcher were apparent for all to observe. These gifts, combined with 
his winning personality and cooperative spirit made him an invaluable 
staffer and a valued friend to his colleagues, who all will miss his 
good cheer but wish him well in his future endeavors, which I am 
confident will include continued service in furtherance of the public 
interest.
  Mr. Speaker, I believe there is no higher calling than the call to 
serve a cause larger than ourselves. That is why I ran for public 
office. When I was six years old I dreamed of becoming a public servant 
when I grew up so I could help others. As the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther 
King once said:

       Everybody can be great because anybody can serve. . . . You 
     only need a heart full of grace. A soul generated by love.

  By this measure, there are several other great young men and women 
who served as volunteers this year in my offices. They may toil in 
obscurity but their contributions to the constituents we serve are 
deeply appreciated and I wish to acknowledge them. They are: Devin 
Benavidez, Elliott Blufer, Laura Sisemore, Chris Robinson, Carlos 
Jurado, Jerry Boies, Sunjay Bhatia, Jazmine Florence, and Renata 
Harris. In past years, my office has benefitted from the contributions 
of other volunteers, including Helen Lei, Navy San, Chris Prado, Jimmie 
Luthuli, Erika Wright, Peter Ward, Alyce Boatwright, Tom DeMaio, and 
Brittni Hamilton.
  Mr. Speaker, the infusion of energy, intelligence, and idealism young 
people bring to their internships in my office and those of my 
colleagues helps keep our democracy vibrant. The insights, skills, and 
knowledge of the governmental process they gain from their experiences 
will last a lifetime and prove invaluable to them as they go about 
making their mark in this world.
  This is why I am so optimistic about our country's prospects for the 
future. As Margaret Mead said:

       Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed 
     citizens can change the world. Indeed, it is the only thing 
     that ever has.

  I am grateful that such thoughtful committed young men and women can 
be found working in my office, those of my colleagues, and in every 
community in America. Their good works will keep America great and as 
they age, they will ensure she stays forever young.

                          ____________________