[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 158 (2012), Part 4]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 5976]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




                 RECOGNIZING THE NATIONAL DAY OF REASON

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. FORTNEY PETE STARK

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                         Friday, April 27, 2012

  Mr. STARK. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Thursday, May 3, 
2012 as the 2012 National Day of Reason.
  The National Day of Reason celebrates the application of reason and 
the positive impact it has had on humanity. It is also an opportunity 
to reaffirm the Constitutional separation of religion and government.
  On March 24, I was proud to address the tens of thousands of 
Americans who gathered on the Mall for the Reason Rally. These 
individuals came from all around the country to deliver a simple 
message: Reason must be the guiding principle of our democracy. In a 
nation of citizens from so many different backgrounds and beliefs, the 
only way we can solve our problems is through cultivating intelligent, 
moral, and ethical interactions among all people.
  Our Nation faces many problems--bringing our troops home from 
Afghanistan, creating jobs, educating our children, and protecting our 
safety net from irresponsible cuts. We will solve these issues through 
the application of reason. We must also protect women's reproductive 
choices, the integrity of scientific research, and our public education 
system from those who would hide behind religious dogma to undermine 
them.
  Finally, the National Day of Reason is about taking time to improve 
our communities. Every year, events are held on this day that 
demonstrate the desire of secular Americans to help their fellow 
citizens and our Nation as a whole. Community service events, such as 
food drives and blood drives, are just some of the ways that people 
will be working to help those in need on the Day of Reason and 
throughout the year.
  I encourage everyone to join in observing this day and focusing upon 
the employment of reason, critical thinking, the scientific method, and 
free inquiry to improve our world and our Nation.

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