[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 148 (2002), Part 12]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 16631]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




                        VIOLENCE PREVENTION WEEK

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. SOLOMON P. ORTIZ

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                     Wednesday, September 11, 2002

  Mr. ORTIZ. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to commend the community of 
Brownsville, Texas, for reminding our children about the values we 
uphold with ``Violence Prevention Week'' as the new school year begins.
  Our school years now begin with concerns over not just grades and 
class assignments, but also the threat of gun violence. This reality 
confronts students and educational professionals each day they enter 
the classroom.
  Here in Texas, we understand that promoting a safe and non-violent 
community begins at home, where life's first and most important lessons 
are learned. The logic that dictates that gun violence is driven by the 
mere existence of guns is inherently flawed. The dramatic increase in 
school violence during the last decade, without any correlating 
increase in gun purchases, is a testament to this.
  Rather, there must be a community effort to ensure the safety of our 
schools and its students. The community of Brownsville understands this 
and teaches responsible gun use, while also promoting tolerance and 
understanding of others. With support from religious and civic 
organizations, Brownsville offers young people positive role models so 
today's students can become tomorrow's leaders.
  Recognizing that it is our individual communities that set the 
example everyday for our young people, we should teach responsibility, 
emphasize faith, and offer age-appropriate entertainment and examples 
of proper behavior to our children. It is our duty to lead our children 
to the right path; then it is their duty to follow that path.
  With this in mind, Brownsville is working to reduce school violence 
by planning ``Violence Prevention Week,'' sponsored by the Brownsville 
Independent School District, the local law enforcement agencies, the 
Brownsville Chamber of Commerce, area civic organizations, and the 
local church community.
  Events for the week include: a student essay contest about the 
challenge of school violence, the ``Violence Prevention Fair'' at a 
local mall, and assembly programs and speakers for middle and high 
school students about the issues facing young people today.
  Our honored guest for this special event will be Dave Roever, a 
Vietnam veteran who has an intimate understanding of the daily 
challenges faced by young people of the 21st Century.
  I ask my colleagues to join me in commending the community of 
Brownsville, Texas, for their efforts to work together to reduce gun 
violence and build a stronger and safer community.

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