December 17, 2010 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H8775 deeply rooted in Yale’s mission and tradition of discourse through more effective edu- ers of your generation, must rise to this that for most of you, fortunately, it has be- cation of the electorate. But it interacts challenge. come ingrained. And that question is: how with the second attenuating factor: that the In the first paragraph of The Federalist can I serve? How can I contribute to the money required to win elections through the (No. 1), writing about the infant republic wellbeing of those around me, much as we all media has created a dependence on funding whose constitution he was endeavoring to have done in building communities within from special interest groups. And it is these defend, Alexander Hamilton asserts: the residential colleges and volunteering in interest groups who distort reasoned dia- It has frequently been remarked, that it so many valuable roles in the city of New logue by sponsoring oversimplified messages. seems to have been reserved to the people of It is easy to see how these developments Haven? Now is an important time to be ask- this country, by their conduct and example, have thwarted recent efforts to shape respon- ing this question. Let me suggest why, and to decide the important question, whether sible public policy. For example, the interest then let me suggest an answer. societies . . . are really capable or not, of es- Aristotle tells us that we are by nature po- groups opposing health care reform defeated tablishing good government from reflection litical animals. But one wonders whether he efforts to contain costs by labeling them and choice . . . would recognize the species that we have be- ‘‘death panels,’’ and they defeated the cre- come. Eighteen months ago, the United ation of a new public vehicle for providing There is much in America’s history of the States elected a new president who was pre- health insurance by insisting that we must past two and a quarter centuries that would pared to address, intelligently and collabo- ‘‘keep government out of the health care incline us to conclude that Hamilton’s ques- ratively, the most pressing problems con- business,’’ when in fact Medicare, Medicaid, tion has been answered in the affirmative. fronting the nation—education, health care, and the Veterans Administration already Our institutions of representative govern- climate change, and improving America’s pay nearly 40 per cent of the nation’s health ment have proven themselves to be durable; image in the rest of the world. Late in the care bill. I am not taking sides here, only the rule of law has prevailed, and the scope election campaign, the financial crisis inter- pointing to the fact that intelligent debate of personal liberty has expanded far beyond vened, and economic recovery and financial on these subjects was crowded out by ideo- what the founders envisioned. But today, in sector reform were added to this ambitious logical distortion. the face of oversimplified ideology and the agenda. How can we create a national and global dominance of narrow interests, we must What has happened since does not inspire dialogue that transcends such over- wonder again whether Hamilton’s question is great confidence in the capacity of our sys- simplification and parochialism? Let me sug- still open. tem to deal intelligently with important gest that we need each of you to raise the Women and men of the Yale College class problems. We legislated a stimulus package level of debate. You came here to develop of 2010: It falls to you, the superbly educated that was less effective than it should have your powers of critical thinking, to separate leaders of your generation, to rise above ide- been, and far less effective than the cor- what makes sense from what is superficial, ology and faction, to bring to bear your in- responding measures undertaken in China. misleading, and seductive. Whether you have telligence and powers of critical thinking to Fifteen months later, unemployment in the studied literature, philosophy, history, poli- elevate public discourse, to participate as United States is still 9.9%. After months of tics, economics, biology, physics, chemistry, citizens and to answer the call to service. stalemate, Congress enacted a health care or engineering, you have been challenged to Only with your commitment can we be cer- bill that extends care to millions of uncov- think deeply, to identify the inconsistent tain that our future will be decided by ‘‘re- ered individuals and families, but takes only and illogical, and to reason your way to in- flection and choice’’ in the broad best inter- the most tentative steps toward containing telligent conclusions. You can apply these est of humanity. You can do it. Yes you can. the escalating costs that will create an powers of critical discernment not simply to f fulfill personal aspirations, but to make a unsustainable burden of public debt within The SPEAKER pro tempore. Under a the next decade or two. We failed to address contribution to public life. climate change in time to achieve a mean- Every signal you have received in this nur- previous order of the House, the gen- ingful global agreement in Copenhagen. And, turing community has been unwavering in tleman from New York (Mr. RANGEL) is although financial sector reform now seems its message that the growth of your com- recognized for 5 minutes. to be a possibility, the debate has been re- petencies is not to benefit you alone. You (Mr. RANGEL addressed the House. plete with misunderstanding of what actu- have learned in your residential colleges His remarks will appear hereafter in ally went wrong and a misplaced desire for that building a successful community has re- the Extensions of Remarks.) revenge. quired you to respect and value one another, Why is this happening? Let me make two and, when appropriate, to moderate your f observations, and then trace their implica- own desires for the benefit of the whole. And THANKS AND BEST WISHES FROM tions for how you might conduct yourselves so it should be in your lives after Yale. If THE HONORABLE DIANE E. WAT- as citizens and participants in political life. you are to help to solve this nation’s prob- First, contemporary political discussion is lems—or work across national boundaries to SON too often dominated by oversimplified address global problems such as climate, ter- The SPEAKER pro tempore. Under a ideologies with superficial appeal to voters. rorism, and nuclear proliferation—you will previous order of the House, the gentle- And, second, political actors in the United need to draw upon both these fruits of a Yale woman from California (Ms. WATSON) is States give too much weight to the interests education: the capacity to reason and the recognized for 5 minutes. of groups with the resources to influence ethical imperative to think beyond your own their re-election, and too little attention to self-interest. Ms. WATSON. Madam Speaker, I the costs and benefits of their actions on the I know that many of you are taking advan- offer my thanks to BARBARA LEE, who wider public. tage of these first years after graduation to is the chair of the Congressional Black In The Federalist (No. 10), James Madison take up public service, and I hope that even Caucus, and I want to read to you addresses the second of these observations, more of you will consider this path. There something I will leave to every Mem- in the context of the fledgling republic es- are plenty of jobs in the public sector for en- ber and staff of this House: tablished by the U.S. Constitution. He notes terprising recent graduates; many are short- ‘‘A happy wish for you to receive term but others may lead to careers. Many that the tendency to pursue self-interest can only the best that this season offers! I never be entirely suppressed, but it can be of you have signed up to be teachers. Others mitigated by the proper design of political will enter business or the professions. But thank you for making my experience institutions. In contrast to a direct democ- whatever choice you make, you can help to here one of learning, training, and de- racy where individuals would tend to vote strengthen the nation and the world—by veloping legislative solutions. My their own interests, a republican form of treating political choices not as triggers for motto is ‘lift as you climb,’ so that is government, Madison argues, will have a an ideological reflex and not as opportuni- why I am so pleased that California greater tendency to select representatives ties to maximize self-interest. To combat re- Speaker Emeritus Karen Bass will take who attend to the broader interests of the flexive ideologies, you must use the powers my place. So, with that said, I appre- of reason that you have developed here to whole. And, he further argues, representa- ciate knowing you.’’ tives in a large republic constituted of a wide sift through the issues to reach thoughtful, range of divergent interests will find it easi- intelligent conclusions. To combat paro- I want you to know how privileged I er to rise above parochialism than those in a chialism, you must draw upon the ethical have felt serving in this House. As I smaller republic comprised of a small num- imperative that Yale has imbued in you—an conclude my 10th year, I go back to ber of competing factions. imperative that begins with the golden rule. Los Angeles to see if I can find another The protections that our form of govern- Whether you serve in government directly or job. I always said that, you know, I ment offers against ideology and faction simply exercise your responsibilities as a cit- can’t keep a job. have attenuated greatly since Madison’s izen and voter, recognize that we will all be As you heard, I started out teaching time, for at least two reasons. First, mass best served if we take account not merely of communication increases the opportunity to our own self-interest, but the broader inter- school, and I became a school psycholo- sway voters by appeal to simple formula- ests of humanity. To move beyond ideology gist. That was the most important tions. Of course, the rise of mass commu- and faction, we need to raise the level of po- work I could do because I was able to nication could be a tool for raising the level litical discourse. You, as the emerging lead- analyze with the young people what it

VerDate Mar 15 2010 07:41 Dec 18, 2010 Jkt 099060 PO 00000 Frm 00177 Fmt 4634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A17DE7.082 H17DEPT1 jbell on DSKDVH8Z91PROD with HOUSE H8776 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE December 17, 2010 took to give them a quality education vocate for improvements in health care tribute to a number of members of the and improve their behavior for improv- and education throughout the years. Congressional Black Caucus. And I say ing their lives. Finally, hailing from the great State ‘‘organizations’’ because I know that Then serving in the California Senate of Florida, Congressman KENDRICK sororities, fraternities, the NAACP, for 20 years and chairing the Health MEEK will be leaving us. He is one half women’s organizations, so many would and Human Services Committee, I of a historic mother-to-son succession want to say thank-you to the following could guide and fashion legislation to the U.S. House of Representatives members: that would benefit all Californians. and affectionately known as my First, my dear sister, Ambassador Then to be able to represent the ‘‘Brother.’’ After years in law enforce- DIANE WATSON. I always call her ‘‘Am- United States of America abroad was ment, Congressman MEEK continued in bassador.’’ And that she is. She carried one of the highlights of my life, never public service by entering politics. He herself in a framework of peace; of thinking that I could rise to that level, came to Congress at the retirement of wanting to bring people together; of but it happened. And then crowning my his mother, Mrs. Carrie Meek. In the challenging our consciousness, and public service, serving here in this House of Representatives, he has faith- doing it with integrity, honesty, and House. fully represented the people of Miami courageousness. Let me thank her for I want to thank my colleagues, I and south Florida by focusing on poli- the work that she did in honoring Dr. want to thank the staff, and I want to cies that create jobs and improve Dorothy Height and thank her for the thank my friends for the privilege you health care. work she did in helping to carry forth have given me. And I would say to you, The work of Representatives KIL- the vision of C. Delores Tucker. And so long for now. Hope to see you again PATRICK, WATSON, DAVIS, and MEEK has now, because of my sister DIANE WAT- next year. not gone unnoticed. Their contribu- SON and myself and the late Congress- f tions will provide great assistance for woman Millender-McDonald, I can say not only their constituents, but for all that we have the Sojourner Truth stat- b 1750 Americans. I firmly believe that they ue in the United States Congress, FAREWELL TO CONGRESSIONAL all will continue to be change-makers which will always be remembered by BLACK CAUCUS MEMBERS along whichever paths they follow. this great work. Their role as public servants will al- And her sister, the Honorable CARO- The SPEAKER pro tempore. Under a ways remain strong as they continue LYN KILPATRICK, who took up the So- previous order of the House, the gentle- to enhance their communities. I wish journer Truth movement, she’s the sec- woman from New York (Ms. CLARKE) is them the best of luck in their next en- ond African American woman to be ap- recognized for 5 minutes. deavors, and I will cherish the lasting pointed to the Appropriations Com- Ms. CLARKE. Madam Speaker, as the friendship we have always shared. mittee. I can tell you CAROLYN KIL- 111th Congress comes to an end, it is f PATRICK never wavered from investing with deep sadness that I come to the in people and ensuring that people had floor to wish a fond farewell to several TRIBUTE TO CONGRESSIONAL resources that came from the tax- members of the Congressional Black BLACK CAUCUS MEMBERS payers’ dollars. My hat is off to the Caucus who will not be moving to the The SPEAKER pro tempore. Under a former Congresswoman and chair- 112th Congress. These members, Con- previous order of the House, the gentle- woman of the Congressional Black Cau- gresswoman CAROLYN KILPATRICK, Con- woman from Texas (Ms. JACKSON LEE) cus. gresswoman DIANE WATSON, Congress- is recognized for 5 minutes. Might I thank a colleague on the Ju- man KENDRICK MEEK, and Congressman Ms. JACKSON LEE of Texas. Madam diciary Committee, Congressman ARTUR DAVIS will be sorely missed. Speaker, before I begin my tribute to ARTUR DAVIS. Yes, a former U.S. Attor- Congresswoman CAROLYN CHEEKS my dear friends that are leaving, I ney, but a vigorous speaker and a prog- KILPATRICK, AKA ‘‘Auntie,’’ as I affec- want to make mention again of a dear eny of the civil rights movement. He tionately called her, has been a friend friend that we lost this week, and that was in fact the beneficiary of the civil and mentor throughout my service in is the Honorable Richard Holbrooke, rights movement and carried it in dig- Congress. A proud native of Detroit, who served this Nation ably and who nity by becoming a U.S. Attorney in Congresswoman KILPATRICK has led a was given tribute today by H. Con. Res. the district that covered Alabama. We long and distinguished career in public 335, as amended. thank him for his work on the Ways service. Before her service in the Just a brief word about Ambassador and Means Committee, and we thank Michigan State House and later in Con- Holbrooke as I begin to talk about the him for his service on the Judiciary gress, she enriched the lives of young outstanding Members that I wish to Committee, and wish him well. people as an educator. Throughout her pay tribute to. I’m reminded not only The Honorable KENDRICK MEEK is to tenure in the House of Representatives, of his courage, the magnitude of his all of us like a brother. We loved his Congresswoman KILPATRICK has con- physical size, the love that he had for mother, Carrie. And we saw in him sistently supported the development of his family, the love that he had for the those traits as he worked hard in the minority businesses and brought nu- Nation, and the admiration that he re- 30-somethings in the first couple of merous projects to her home State as ceived from around the world, but I’m years when he was in the Congress, try- an appropriator. reminded of his tenure at the United ing to get us back in the majority, but Also leaving us will be Congress- Nations. He did something that was more importantly, speaking to the peo- woman DIANE WATSON, who was also a equal to moving the Earth. He brought ple. mentor, who I affectionately have re- peace between two giants: one, the He ran a fantastic open, wide, wel- ferred to as ‘‘Lady Di’’ due to her grace Vice President of the United States, coming race for the United States Sen- and elegance. Congresswoman WATSON who in fact came to speak about HIV/ ate. His great days are before him. His began her career as a school psycholo- AIDS, and he drew also to that very wonderful wife and children were a fix- gist. Upon entering politics, she’s been issue with the then-chairman of the ture around this place, and we pay trib- a tireless advocate for consumer pro- Foreign Affairs Committee, Chairman ute to him because of the passion and tection and health care. She was a Jesse Helms. He thought that was a sacrifice he made for Haitians in his member of the California Assembly and great accomplishment—and we did too. area and for the many people that he an ambassador to the Federated States Members of the Congressional Black represented. of Micronesia during the Clinton ad- Caucus went to the United Nations at So, Madam Speaker, let me say to ministration. that time. So I am rising to acknowl- you, sadness falls because we will be Congressman ARTUR DAVIS has also edge Ambassador Holbrooke and will losing to great things Members like faithfully served on Capitol Hill. A join with my other colleagues who hon- Congresswoman DIANE WATSON, Con- former prosecutor, Congressman DAVIS ored him earlier today. gresswoman CAROLYN KILPATRICK, Con- has led a career in public service. He But I have the great, if you will, gressman ARTUR DAVIS, and Congress- served on the House Ways and Means honor of honoring wonderful, stellar man KENDRICK MEEK. As my dear sis- Committee, and has been a strong ad- organizations that are coming to pay ter, Congresswoman DIANE WATSON, is

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