June 9, 2010 EXTENSIONS OF REMARKS, Vol. 156, Pt. 7 10377 For example, as a judge he presided over a Peninsula Health Access Coalition. These Again, on behalf of the Sixth District of full-schedule of cases, but was particularly dis- awards highlight Schoolcraft Memorial Hos- North Carolina, we would like to congratulate turbed by the vulnerable at-risk youngsters in pital’s commitment to continuously improving the Eastern Randolph softball team, the fac- the juvenile court system who were being the care it provides and its dedication to serv- ulty, staff, students, and fans for an out- shoved under the rug by society. This inspired ing the community. standing season. him to take time every Monday to check at- However, the physicians, staff and adminis- f tendance records at the local high schools. In trators of Schoolcraft Memorial Hospital are the evenings, he would visit with families of not known to rest on their laurels. Rather, they COMMENDING ELKS LODGE IN students exhibiting high rates of absenteeism are steadfast in looking ahead to the hospital’s FOREST GROVE, OREGON, FOR in an effort to get their support in encouraging future growth and improvements. Whether it’s CELEBRATING FLAG DAY the students to stay in school and make the the acquisition of new rehab equipment, like most of that experience. This concern for im- the ‘‘omnicycle;’’ converting electronic medical HON. DAVID WU proving society continued throughout his ca- records to email to save money and space; OF OREGON reer. Sometimes limited to simply seeing His- upgrading current facilities to include a new IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES CT scan room, triage room and emergency panic children given equal access to the Wednesday, June 9, 2010 YMCA, to concentrating on improving human room treatment room; or working towards the rights abroad while serving as an ambassador, development and construction of a brand new Mr. WU. Madam Speaker, as Flag Day ap- he never lost sight of using his opportunities to replacement facility, Schoolcraft Memorial proaches, I rise to pay tribute to our Nation make a difference. Hospital strives to provide its patients with the and to commend the Elks Lodge in Forest Throughout our history it has been proven most positive experience and effective treat- Grove, Oregon, for celebrating Flag Day in my that immigrants are far more than just an inex- ment possible. district. pensive work force. They are in fact a valu- Madam Speaker, Schoolcraft Memorial Hos- The United States flag is a hallmark of the able asset to this country and Raul H. Castro pital provides its patients with hometown famil- enduring character of America. In 1818, Con- is an outstanding example of one such per- iarity combined with state-of-the-art services. gress passed legislation that provided the son. Therefore, in light of today’s divisive view Over the years, it has continued to innovate, basic design of our flag, with 13 stripes hon- of immigration, his story should be noted as a grow and provide critical health care services oring the 13 original colonies and one star per symbol of how the United States has bene- to Schoolcraft County. Therefore, I ask state. fitted from those who value this country so Madam Speaker, that you, and the entire U.S. Throughout our history citizens have hon- much, and that after moving here to build a House of Representatives, join me in recog- ored the flag and the principles for which it better life for their families, they remain dedi- nizing Schoolcraft Memorial Hospital on its stands, but we did not have an official day cated to making sure that they improve our 60th anniversary. honoring our flag until President Woodrow Wil- Nation for future generations. f son issued a presidential proclamation in 1916 establishing Flag Day. In 1949, congressional f EASTERN RANDOLPH SOFTBALL legislation designating June 14 as national TEAM WINS IT ALL HONORING THE 60TH ANNIVER- Flag Day was signed into law by President SARY OF SCHOOLCRAFT MEMO- Harry Truman. RIAL HOSPITAL HON. HOWARD COBLE I am pleased to offer my thanks and support OF NORTH CAROLINA to the Elks Lodge of Forest Grove, Oregon, HON. BART STUPAK IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES which has organized a Flag Day celebration to OF MICHIGAN Wednesday, June 9, 2010 educate the community about our flag and its IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES Mr. COBLE. Madam Speaker, on behalf of history. The Order of the Elks promotes Amer- ican principles of individual freedom, oppor- Wednesday, June 9, 2010 the citizens of the Sixth District of North Caro- lina, we wish to extend our congratulations to tunity, and dignity, consistent with the prin- Mr. STUPAK. Madam Speaker, I rise to rec- the Eastern Randolph softball team for win- ciples that the U.S. flag represents. ognize Schoolcraft Memorial Hospital as it ning the North Carolina High School Athletic I am honored to provide the Elks Lodge of celebrates its 60th anniversary serving resi- Association 2-A state softball championship. Forest Grove with a flag flown over the U.S. dents in Schoolcraft County and across Michi- There is no doubt that the level of athleticism Capitol for their celebration, and I thank them gan’s Upper Peninsula. Schoolcraft Memorial and fortitude these young women possess is for their service to our community and Nation. Hospital is known both for the quality of care without reproach. f it provides and its leadership role in keeping Eastern Randolph’s journey to the state title the community active and healthy. was one of a remarkable comeback. After CELEBRATING THE 25TH ANNIVER- Located along Lake Michigan’s northern being placed in the loser’s bracket early in the SARY OF THE FRIENDS OF THE shores in Manistique, Michigan, Schoolcraft competition after their first encounter with PARKS AND TRAILS OF ST. Memorial Hospital is a 25-bed progressive crit- Central Davidson the team was disappointed, PAUL AND RAMSEY COUNTY ical access hospital, offering comprehensive but even more determined. Having success- medical and surgical care, health care in 30 fully defeated South Lenior, the Eastern Wild- HON. BETTY McCOLLUM specialties including cardiology and neurology, cats faced Central once again in the cham- OF MINNESOTA a 24-hour physician staffed emergency room, pionship game. IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES a walk-in clinic, physical and occupational Led by pitcher and Most Valuable Player Wednesday, June 9, 2010 therapy, cardiac rehabilitation and a wide Jessica Gordan, the Wildcats defeated the range of diagnostic services. It has also Central Spartans 9–2. After pitching three Ms. MCCOLLUM. Madam Speaker, today I opened a number of clinics throughout games during the tournament, Gordan tossed rise to congratulate the Friends of the Parks Schoolcraft County, as well as a fitness center a three-hitter with only two walks and three and Trails of St. Paul and Ramsey County, on to increase access to health care services and strikeouts. The entire team exhibited superior the occasion of the 25th anniversary of the or- improve health and wellness in the community athletic ability and are well-deserving of their ganization. Since it was established in 1985, and surrounding areas. first state title in Eastern’s school history. this group has been dedicated to serving and Schoolcraft Memorial Hospital’s excellence Team members include: Rachel Burgess, promoting parks and green spaces in St. Paul, has been widely recognized. The hospital re- Jana Cheek, Liza Elliott, Jessica Gordon, Dal- Minnesota, and surrounding communities. ceived the Michigan Center for Rural Health’s las Heaton, Kailey Hill, Olivia Millikan, Codie Executive Director Peggy Lynch has been 2009 Michigan Rural Health Quality Improve- Rhodes, Gina Ritter, Brittainy Rush, Kayla there every step of the way, first leading a ment Award—Award for Excellence for its Saliga, Kaitlyn Scheuering. The team was led group of citizens to found the organization to work to improve care processes in the treat- by Head Coach Randall Myers and his assist- keep a massive high-rise development out of ment of heart failure and pneumonia and ants Richard Thomas, Gary Heaton and Tony Hidden Fall/Crosby Regional Park in order to emergency room transfers. It also was named Hill. Also contributing were team managers preserve green space for everyone in our a 2008 ‘‘Hero for the Uninsured’’ by the Upper Leslie Honeycutt and Chesley Honeycutt. community. The Friends of the Parks and

VerDate Mar 15 2010 10:55 Jul 02, 2013 Jkt 089102 PO 00000 Frm 00011 Fmt 0689 Sfmt 9920 E:\BR10\E09JN0.000 E09JN0 WREIER-AVILES on DSK5TPTVN1PROD with BOUND RECORD 10378 EXTENSIONS OF REMARKS, Vol. 156, Pt. 7 June 9, 2010 trails has since developed into a broad, mem- 56 countries that comprise the OSCE, I share Shame’’ of those governments that still have bership-supported nonprofit group. many of the concerns raised by Ms. Mijatovic not brought to justice the perpetrators of The Friends of the Parks has proven their in her testimony and commend them to col- the horrifying murders that happened in commitment to St. Paul and Ramsey County their countries. leagues. The most recent murder of a journalist in parks by promoting open space preservation, ORGANIZATION FOR SECURITY AND CO-OPER- the OSCE area is the one of the Kyrgyz oppo- protection, improvement, and development of ATION IN EUROPE REPRESENTATIVE ON FREE- sition journalist Gennady Pavlyuk (Bely new parks. And as a vital member of the com- DOM OF THE MEDIA Parokhod), who was killed in Kazakhstan in munity the Friends of the Parks have success- (By Dunja Mijatovic) December last year. It gives me hope that fully laid the foundation for lasting change by [From the Helsinki Commission Hearing on the new Interim Government of Kyrgyzstan working with St. Paul and Ramsey County to the Threats to Free Media in the OSCE Re- has announced to save no efforts to bring the require no ‘‘net loss’’ of parkland in any deals gion, June 9, 2010 ] perpetrators to justice, as well as those in- the city or county makes, and also helped to Dear Chairmen, Distinguished Commis- volved in the 2007 murder of Alisher Saipov sioners, Ladies and Gentlemen, (Siyosat). create city and county park commissions. The Russian Federation remains the OSCE Parks are essential to Minnesotans. They I am honored to be invited to this hearing before the Helsinki Commission at the very participating State where most members of not only provide recreational opportunities and the media are killed. Paul Klebnikov a connection to the natural world, they also beginning of my mandate. I feel privileged to speak before you today. The Helsinki Com- (Forbes, Russia), Anna Politkovskaya provide employment, economic development mission’s welcoming statement issued on the (Novaya Gazeta), Anastasia Baburova and increase property values. For 25 years, day of my appointment is a clear manifesta- (Novaya Gazeta), are the most reported the Friends of the Parks and Trails have been tion of the strong support you continuously about, but let us also remember Magomed serving my community, ensuring that all Min- show toward the work of this unique Office, Yevloyev (Ingushetiya), Ivan Safronov nesotans have the opportunity to benefit from and I assure you, distinguished Commis- (Kommersant), Yury Shchekochikhin the positive resources provided by parks. This sioners, that this fact is very much appre- (Novaya Gazeta), Igor Domnikov (Novaya Gazeta), Vladislav Listyev (ORT), Dmitry deserves our thanks, support and commenda- ciated. It will be three months tomorrow since I Kholodov (Moskovsky Komsomolets) and tion. many others. Madam Speaker, please join me in rising to took office as the new Representative on Freedom of the Media to the OSCE. Even We also should not forget the brutal mur- honor the 25th anniversary of the Friends of though three months may sound short, it has ders of the following journalists, some re- the Parks and Trails of St. Paul and Ramsey proved more than enough to gain a deep in- main unresolved today: Hrant Dink (Agos) Armenian Turkish jour- County, Peggy Lynch, and all its members sight, and unfortunately also voice concerns, and volunteers for their hard work and con- nalist was shot in 2007 in Turkey. about the decline of media freedom in many Elmar Huseynov (Monitor) was murdered stant dedication to ensuring parks and green of the 56 countries that today constitute the in 2005 in Azerbaijan. space are available for all to enjoy. OSCE. Georgy Gongadze (Ukrainskaya Pravda) Although the challenges and dangers that f was killed in 2000 in Ukraine. journalists face in our countries may differ In Serbia, Slavko Curuvija (Dnevni OSCE REPRESENTATIVE CITES from region to region, one sad fact holds true Telegrat) was murdered in 1999, and Milan THREATS TO FREE MEDIA everywhere: The freedom to express our- Pantic (Vecernje Novosti) was killed in 2001. selves is questioned and challenged from In Montenegro, Dusko Jovanovic (Dan), many sides. Some of these challenges are was shot dead in 2004. HON. ALCEE L. HASTINGS blatant, others concealed; some of them fol- In Croatia, Ivo Pukanic (Nacional) and his OF FLORIDA low traditional methods to silence free marketing director, Niko Franjic, were IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES speech and critical voices, some use new killed by a car bomb in 2008. Wednesday, June 9, 2010 technologies to suppress and restrict the free Violence against journalists equals vio- flow of information and media pluralism; lence against society and democracy, and it Mr. HASTINGS of Florida. Madam Speaker, and far too many result in physical harass- should be met with harsh condemnation and as Co-Chairman of the Helsinki Commission, I ment and deadly violence against journal- prosecution of the perpetrators. There can be wish to draw the attention of colleagues to the ists. no improvement without an overhaul of the timely and informative testimony of the OSCE Today, I would like to draw your attention very apparatus of prosecution and law en- Representative on Freedom of the Media, to the constant struggle of so many institu- forcement, starting from the very top of the Dunja Mijatovic, who testified earlier today at tions and NGOs around the world, including Government pyramid. a Commission hearing on ‘‘Threats to Free your Commission and my Institution, to There is no true press freedom as long as combat and ultimately stop violence against Media in the OSCE Region.’’ She focused on journalists have to fear for their lives while journalists. I would also like to address sev- performing their work. The OSCE commit- various threats to journalists and independent eral other challenges that I want to place in ments oblige all participating States to pro- media outlets, including physical attacks and the center of my professional activities, each vide safety to these journalists, and I will do adoption of repressive laws on the media as of which I intend to improve by relentlessly my best to pursue this goal with the man- well as other forms of harassment. Most trou- using the public voice I am now given at the date I am given and with all professional bling is the murder of journalists because of OSCE. tools at my disposal. their professional activities. According to the Let me first start with violence against We also observe another very worrying journalists. U.S.-based Committee to Protect Journalists, trend; more and more often the imprison- Ever since it was created in 1997, my Office ment of critical journalists based on polit- 52 journalists have been killed in Russia alone has been raising attention to the alarming ical motivations including fabricated since 1992, many reporting on corruption or increase of violent attacks against journal- charges. Let me mention some cases: human rights violations. Ms. Mijatovic also ists. Not only is the high number of violent In Azerbaijan, the prominent editor-in- flagged particular concern over existing and attacks against journalists a cause for con- chief of the now-closed independent Russian- emerging threats to freedom on the Internet cern. Equally alarming is the authorities’ far language weekly, Realny Azerbaijan, and and other communications technologies. She too-prevalent willingness to classify many of Azeri-language daily, Gundalik Azarbaycan, also voiced concern over the use of criminal the murders as unrelated to the journalists’ Eynulla Fatullayev was sentenced in 2007 to professional activities. We also see that statutes on defamation, libel and insult which a cumulative eight-and-a-half years in prison more and more often critical speech is being on charges on defamation, incitement of eth- are used by some OSCE countries to silence punished with questionable charges brought nic hatred, terrorism and tax evasion. The journalists or force the closure of media out- against the journalists. European Court of Human Rights (ECtHR) lets. With respect to the situation in the United Impunity of perpetrators and the respon- found Azerbaijan in violation of Article 10 States, she urged adoption of a shield law at sible authorities’ passivity in investigating and Article 6, paragraphs 1 and 2 of the Euro- the federal level to create a journalists’ privi- and failing to publicly condemn these mur- pean Convention on Human Rights, so there lege for federal proceedings. Such a provision ders breeds further violence. There are nu- is only one possible outcome—Fatullayev was part of the Free Flow of Information Act merous cases that need to be raised over and should be immediately released. over again. We need to continue to loudly re- In Kazakhstan, Ramazan Yesergepov, the of 2009, which passed the House early in the peat the names of these courageous individ- editor of Alma-Ata Info, is serving a three- Congress and awaits consideration by the full uals who lost their lives for the words they year prison term on charges of disclosing Senate. have written. I am sorry for all those whom state secrets. As one who has worked to promote democ- I will not mention today; but the names that Emin Milli and Adnan Hajizade, bloggers racy, human rights and the rule of law in the follow are on the list that I call ‘‘the Hall of from Azerbaijan, are serving two and a half

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