e This "bullet" symbol identifies statements or insertions which a.re not spoken by a Member of the Senate on the floor. Matter set in this typeface indicates words inserted or appended, rather than spoken, by a Member of the House on the floor. October 30, 1989 EXTENSIONS OF REMARKS 26499 present to Elie Wiesel the degree of doctor the same sense of power or the same meas What about Ireland? A medieval war is of humanities, honoris causa. ure of redemption. And in my tradition, we being waged in Ireland. Why? Can't people believe that redemption is universal. And we understand that God is one, and if God is ADDRESS OF PROF. ELIE WIESEL, COMMENCE· believe, you and I, that redemption can be one, He is one for every one of us? And we MENT ADDRESS, BRIGHAM YOUNG UNIVERSI· brought or at least hastened by any living can all speak to Him in our language. In our TY human being. prayers God understands all languages, not President Lee, President Holland, mem Why did God create one man alone? Said only Hebrew. We ask the questions, and the bers of the Board of Trustees, the graduat the magnificent Midrashic commentary: "So questions are urgent. Will there be no end ing class, and families and friends. How can as to teach all his descendants that whoever to violence and bloodshed? Is hate never to I thank you for allowing me to celebrate kills, kills the entire human race. And when be curtailed? Will evil and indifference to with you an important moment in your ever a human life is saved or dignified or be evil ever be vanquished? But in spite of all lives? Perhaps the emphasis should be on friended, it is humanity that survives." rational and irrational fears, I have not gratitude. Gratitude is the measure of a Is that all? Were it all it would be suffi given up hope. History seems to have accel person. Show me someone who is grateful, cient. But a story calls for further commen erated its pace, and it is moving-if we want and I will believe in his or her humanity. tary. Here it is, at least in part: to move-toward reassuring possibilities. I was here in 1985, and I wondered why. God began the human story with one man The Cold War is all but over. Now I know. Four years ago when many of and, later, one woman alone so as to prevent A few months ago-just imagine-Mikhail you entered this school, your teachers any man or woman at later stages from Gorbachev, the number one communist in wanted to see whether I deserved the boasting of being superior to his or her the Soviet Union, went to Cuba to get a degree. So I, too, am now part of this com fellow human beings. No one is superior. No lesson in communism from Castro. If ever mencement. I am proud to be your fellow one is inferior. We all have the same grand there was an absurdity in politics-and graduate, for this singular institution of father; we all have the same beginning. We there are many absurdities in politics-this higher learning reconciles the quest for are equally responsible for God's creation one surely was a crowning one. . . . The ter knowledge with a thirst for faith. It com and equally responsible for one another. Ul ritorial wars seem to have vanished in bines compassion toward others with rigor timately, we must believe that we are all Europe, and all frontiers may disappear in toward oneself. It offers a taste for discov God's children. All roads lead to Him. the early 1990's. Until recently, hundreds ery with a powerful obsession for memory. Anyone who claims to possess the exclusive and thousands were killed in Europe be What can I, a Jew of my generation, tell truth or the monopoly on truth is both cause of a few miles! you students and teachers who grew up in misled and misleading. Truth is one; but In our own land, not only has racism been another? Perhaps on this special occasion I many roads lead to it. The Jewish faith is abolished but it has become old-fashioned, could share with you some memories filled good for Jews. Just as Christianity is good outdated. The mentality of our people with melancholy, yet open to hope, some of for Christians. And your faith is good for changed. We now know that racism is my visions inhabited by fire, yet penetrated you. wrong. Now we know that we cannot judge a by the desire to recite ancient prayers and The enemy does not believe so; the enemy person by his or her color. True, too many be worthy of them. believes that he-or it-knows everything. children still die of starvation in Africa and Allow me to tell you a story told by the The enemy believes that it is his right to de Asia. True, too many homeless people dwell celebrated Hasidic master, Rabbi Nahman termine my way, my road, my means, my in our own cities. True, too many choose the of Bratzlav, the forerunner of Franz Kafka: goal-or yours. The enemy does not know easy and yet destructive escape from life Once upon a time there was a man in a what we know-that we all have the same through drugs. But now at a point where boat. We do not know why he was there or questions, the ultimate and fundamental your generation meets mine, we all know where he was heading. Was he fleeing questions of life and death. And the answer that any person can make a difference in at danger? Or tempted by hidden promises? lies in mutual respect and understanding. least one other person's life. We should be Perhaps. All we know is that one morning Cain and Abel became one another's mur humble but audacious. Here in this school, he began digging a hole under his seat. derer and victim because they forgot that you have learned the questions. And I love When other passengers noticed what he was they were brothers. Each thought of him questions. doing, they began yelling at him, "What are self alone. Blind divisiveness is irrevocably All my life I have devoted my work and you up to? Are you crazy?" As for our hero, destructive. Regrettably, society remains di my quest to find the right questions. Some he could not understand their anger. He vided. As you are about to enter society, you of them are naive. I remember in my home could not comprehend their fear. "Why are must know it. The world which is waiting town a father said to his son, "My son, close you shouting?" he asked. "I am digging a for you is cold, cynical, and you will see, un the door because it is cold outside." And the hole under my seat not yours." fortunately, that the world doesn't want son answered, "Father, and if I close the I am confident that after so many years in you. I have heard with great emotion what door will be it be warm outside?" The ques this school you have understood the lesson your president said about you-that most of tion is still valid. I once asked a great master inherent in this Hasidic tale. We are all in you have come to study in order to share, in Brooklyn, "How can you believe in God the same boat-Jews and Christians, Mos and all of you see yourselves as emissaries, after what happened?" And he said, "How lems and Buddhists. Whatever happens to as messengers to other people who need can you not believe in God after what hap one group ultimately will affect all groups. colnfort, education, healing, hope. I am pened?" And I said, "If your answer is a And if this planet of ours, which is shrink moved by that. Because your work is not question, I accept it." I don't accept it as an ing from day to day, from hour to hour-if going to be easy. The world is for the answer-for there is no answer to certain this planet of ours is going to drown in an moment like a train running toward a preci tragedies. The response to tragedy exists, ocean of flames, the end of humanity will be pice, and all we can do together is try to pull but there is no answer to them. And the re our end. I have learned this in my own way, the alarm. sponse must be a human response. If you from my own past. Think about what a few terrorists have see a person suffer, your response to suffer When Jews were singled out for annihila done to the human condition. Show me one ing must be to help that person overcome tion, many nations thought, why bother? institution that hasn't developed security in suffering. The person is poor; the person is the enemy means them not us. Wrong! The the last twenty years. Twenty years ago, se desperate. You can help that person. And enemy always means all of us. Asians or Eu curity was not part of any budget. When you have learned. Therefore on this day, ropeans, white or black, poor or rich, we all you take a plane now, they search you, and which is so important to you and to me, may have the same enemy. Regardless of race, you are glad that they do. What a few I add my congratulations to you, to all of color, or religious or nonreligious affiliation, people, misguided, blinded by fanaticism you-to doctoral students, to master's stu created in God's invisible image, there is have done to us! Imagine if those terrorists dents, to you, hundreds and thousands of · something unique in every human being. It one day chose the option of nuclear terror young students who move me simply by is the unique wonder of the human being ism or of chemical terrorism. I am worried, your presence. May your quest for knowl that makes him or her the center of cre and you are our hope. I am worried because edge become a passion for justice. May your ation. Every person is worthy of God's ambi the world as I see it has not learned enough newly acquired knowledge move you to tion. Every person is humanity's ultimate of the past, and therefore we see so many speak up for victims of malediction and mis aspiration. Only dictators believe that the divisions. Poor against rich, young against fortune. Remember that power is to be human being as a unit, as a person, as an in old, Moslem against Jew and against Chris shared, not imposed. Remember that free dividual, doesn't matter-doesn't count. In tian. But think about it. Is Beirut ever going dom must be extolled, never ridiculed. our traditions, yours and mine, every to stop committing suicide? Day after day Education must be used for humanity, not hum.an being counts. Human lives are not we see what is happening there. Hundreds against it-not to obtain power but to hu parallel. They form concentric circles, of children and parents are being killed or manize it, not to impose your will or your moving in the same direction, often, but not maimed every day. When will it end? Do you views on others but to discover theirs in an always at the same pace. They try to attain know why it is happening? Nobody knows. atmosphere of respect and understanding. 26500 EXTENSIONS OF REMARKS October 30, 1989 Remember every person everywhere is in the Senate, I want you to know we appre with a wide range of expertise in positions worthy of your love, of your life. Remember ciate your vision, your commitment, and of significant and substantive responsibil like everything else, words can hurt or heal, your diligence in moving this issue. We ity." elevate or humiliate, bring the heavens admire your ability and that of your col The fact that the percentage of Blacks down into the mud or lift the dust up to the league, Senator Patrick Leahy of Vermont, employed in the Congress has remained heavens. It depends on you, and mostly on to persist in the face of strong opposition somewhat stagnant during the last twenty you, whether they become swords of hate or and deafening indifference over the past 12 years becomes particularly glaring when prayers for compassion-hence the urgency years. You have kept your eyes on what is one considers that the pool of qualified ap of Rabbi Nahman of Bratzlav's parable: required by simple justice. I would also like plicants has expanded tremendously. Of the Woe unto to our generation, for it is now to acknowledge the active support of Senate 400 resumes currently placed with the given to a single person to provide ultimate Majority Leader George Mitchell, who has Senate Black Legislative Staff Caucus, 53 disaster, and yet one must not yield to resig taken the time to meet with us to hear our percent have law degrees, 30 percent have nation. For it is given to every one of us to concerns and has committed to improving graduate degrees and 10 percent have previ prevent catastrophe. At least on a human the status of Blacks in the Senate. ous Hill experience. scale. My participation here today is not only an Mr. Chairman, today you have given me "The whole world," said our beloved honor for our organization, it is historic. an opportunity to share with you my views Rabbi Nahman of Bratzlav, "is but a narrow With no Black members in the United with respect to underrepresentation of ridge. And what matters is not to be afraid." States Senate, our caucus serves as a voice Black staffers in the U.S. Senate. I have What matters is to oppose fear-together of Black America in the Senate on matters used the bulk of my time to provide the to invoke hope in spite of everything. of national importance. It is not a role we Committee with an understanding of how My young friends, believe me, when I was choose, and it is not a position we cherish. current hiring and promotion practices your age I had all the reasons in the world We are not here as a result of any popular result in employment patterns that strongly to give up hope and faith and confidence in votes. Instead, we are a policy voice of Black disfavor Blacks. Allow me please to take just humanity. There was no reason to justify a America in the U.S. Senate by default. We a moment to make some specific suggestions renewed covenant. And yet I came to the represent the descendants of people who did about how this problem can best be ad conclusion that suffering does not offer any not come here by choice. dressed. privileges. It is what you do with suffering Despite the fact that Blacks represent The current system of hiring depends that matters. And I came to the conclusion more than 13 percent of the American pop largely on an informal network of contracts. that although there are no reasons to go on ulation, we have seen only one of our own Those who are in the communications loop hoping and living and working and getting elected to this prestigious body of the have an opportunity to vie for open posi married and getting an education, it is up to people since the end of Reconstruction. We tions, those who are not a part of that net us to invent hope, to create it. And you can can find no pride in that historical note. work never know an opening exists. Such in invent and create it. That is what education And that reality makes our job different formal networks can have the same devas is all about. That is what religious faith is from that of our non-Black staff counter tating effects as an explicitly discriminatory all about. But then you tell me-isn't that parts. system since Blacks are disproportionately what life is all about? Thank you. For many years, we have struggled with out of the loop. This is particularly disap our role in the Senate. We have walked a pointing since many of our most ardent sup delicate balance. On the one hand, serving porters in Congress, those members who are TESTIMONY OF MS. JACKIE as political and policy advisors in a capacity the chief architects and unwavering propo PARKER BEFORE THE SENATE identical to our non-Black staff colleagues. nents of civil rights legislation have staffs COMMI'ITEE ON GOVERNMEN But at the same time, we have the responsi who are chosen on this informal network TAL AFFAIRS bility to assure that the Senators we serve basis and therefore have staff compositions are acutely aware of the impact of their de that exclude Blacks. cisions on the Black community-even in in The bottom line Mr. Chairman, is that HON. LOUIS STOKES stances where those members are not sig there must be a moral decision or commit OF OHIO nificantly influenced by a Black voting pop ment to hire minorities. There is currently a IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES ulation. Although the dual roles we play closed door process. The current atmos will remain difficult, your acknowledgement phere does not encourage, nuture or pro Monday, October 30, 1989 of our existence Senator, has by itself, ener mote Blacks as it does for young white pro Mr. STOKES. Mr. Speaker, I would like to gized our ranks. fessionals. bring to my colleague's attention the following Unfortunately, those ranks are small. De Thank you for this opportunity Mr. testimony of Ms. Jackie Parker, chair of the spite the fact that Black voters have demon Chairman. I am extremely grateful. U.S. Senate Black Legislative Staff Caucus. strated their ability to significantly affect the make-up of the Congress, Blacks ac The testimony is entitled, "The Underrepre count for only 64 of the approximately 2, 700 sentation of African Americans in the U.S. THERE IS NO WAY TO FIGHT senior policy employees in the Senate. TERRORISM "ON THE CHEAP" Senate." Ms. Parker gave this compelling and There are no Black Administrative Assist intriguing statement before the Senate Com ants; only two Black Committee Staff Direc mittee on Governmental Affairs on September tors; one Black Deputy Committee Staff Di HON. WM. S. BROOMFIELD 14, 1989, during hearings on S. 272 and S. rector; three Black Subcommittee Heads; OF MICHIGAN 1165, congressional civil rights bills. one Legislative Director; one Black Press Secretary; and three Black Deputy Press IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES THE UNDERREPRESENTATION OF AFRICAN Secretaries. Although this represents some Monday, October 30, 1989 AMERICANS IN THE U.S. SENATE progress, it is sad that this also represents the highest number of Black policy advisors Mr. BROOMFIELD. Mr. Speaker, sometimes My name is Jackie Parker. Since 1979, I in the history of the U.S. Senate. it is necessary to invest a little money in order have served as Legislative Assistant to Sena According to the Congressional Black to save lives and prevent damage. The U.S. tor Carl Levin of Michigan. Prior to that Caucus, although 9 percent of the policy po Government's rather modest National Coun time, I served as Chief Legislative Assistant sitions in the U.S. House of Representatives terterrorism Research and Development Pro in the U.S. House of Representatives to the are held by Blacks, that figure drops to only late Congressman James A. Burke of Massa 3 percent once the payrolls of the 24 Black gram coordinated by the Department of State chusetts. I am the current Chair of the members are excluded. In a June 12, 1987 is a good example. Development of better Senate Black Legislative Staff Caucus. letter to his colleagues in the House urging equipment to deter terrorist attacks on our Much of my statement today represent my that they hire more Blacks, Congressman people, our planes and our buildings is a personal views as a long-time congressional Mervyn M. Dymally, then Chairman of the worthwhile investment. employee and advocate for increased em Congressional Black Caucus wrote, in part, Thus I was disturbed to see that the confer ployment on Capitol Hill. My remarks are and I quote: ence report on the Commerce, Justice, and not intended to exclusively represent the "There are over 12,290 employees of the State appropriations bill, which was yesterday views of the members of the staff caucus. House of Representatives, yet fewer than 3 considered by the House, includes only $2 Thank you Mr. Chairman for giving me an percent are hired by non-minority Mem opportunity to share some concerns relative bers. . . . While the pool of qualified Blacks million for this program. The administration to the underrepresentation of African is significant the record of hiring is disap had requested $6 million for fiscal year 1990. Americans in the Congress, particularly in pointing. We have much to do in both This two-thirds cut would severely hamper this the Senate. On behalf of the Black staffers Houses to bring aboard competent staff program which provides seed money for im- October 30, 1989 EXTENSIONS OF REMARKS 26501 portant research and development efforts to As the chairman of the House Select Com Soviet policy was paralyzed for months by a find better ways of protecting our planes from mittee on Aging's Subcommittee on Human policy review, which essentially concluded the kind of plastic explosives used to destroy Services, I am extremely concerned about the that we should stay the course. At a critical juncture, our Panamanian policy was on Pan Am 103 and to detect chemical and bio administration's extensive delay in announcing hold because of a policy review. Now when logical agents. the 1991 conference, which is authorized by we seriously need to examine our policies af The program already has been badly hurt Public Law 100-175, the Older Americans Act fecting the elderly, we are told "Not yet, it by previous cuts. Last year, although the Amendments of 1987. Older Americans can is under review." Mr. President: Stay the House approved the administration's full $6 no longer sit and wait for the Bush administra course. Do as Presidents Eisenhower, Nixon million request for fiscal year 1989, the final tion to decide whether or not to hold a White and Carter did before you. Call the Confer appropriations approved was only $3 million. House Conference on Aging. While time runs ence. Tens of millions of Americans await This level already badly hurt the program, but out, the President has remained silent. A 1991 your call. at least it would have allowed funding for White House Conference on Aging is needed some very important projects designed to help to help shape our policy blueprint for the COURT OF VETERANS APPEALS prevent future bombings of airlines. The na coming decade. The Bush administration must CONVENES tional R&D program funds American participa assume its responsibility to older Americans tion with a dozen other countries in develop with quick and decisive action. ing a chemical preblast taggant for plastic ex I would like to share the statement I issued HON. G. V. (SONNY) MONTGOMERY plosives. at the press conference with my colleagues: OF MISSISSIPPI As the ranking Republican member of the STATEMENT OF CONGRESSMAN DOWNEY CRITI IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES House Foreign Affairs Committee, I strongly CIZING PRESIDENT BUSH'S FAILURE TO CALL Monday, October 30, 1989 support this international effort by the adminis A WHITE HOUSE CONFERENCE ON AGING tration to develop a chemical taggant and We are here today to urge President Bush Mr. MONTGOMERY. Mr. Speaker, October work through the International Civil Aviation to call the 1991 White House Conference on 16 marked a new and historic era in the adju Organization to develop a treaty dealing with Aging. Older Americans can no longer sit dication of veterans' benefits claims. Veterans chemical taggants. The national R&D program and wait for the President to decide wheth can now get a prompt, independent review of er or not to hold the White House Confer also helps facilitate our efforts to work with their cases before a court of law. ence. We need to have a decision or at least In a ceremony at U.S. District Court for the several allied countries to coordinate counter why the President is delaying the decision. terrorism R&D efforts. This could not be done We are puzzled and concerned by Presi District of Columbia, the Court of Veterans Ap if the program was fragmented or run by other dent Bush's failure to make a decision. We peals established by the 1OOth Congress offi agencies as seems to be the misguided view are not breaking new ground here. Presi cially convened. of some in the other body. dent Eisenhower, Nixon and Carter each I want to congratulate our three new judges If the $4 million cut in the program as pro~ called a White House Conference on Aging. on the Court of Veterans Appeals-Chief posed by the conference report is allowed to Those conferences held in 1961, 1971 and Judge Frank Nebeker and Associate Judges 1981 all left a clear record of accomplish stand, other important projects also are en Ken Kramer and John Farley. I know my col ment. They helped to set the agenda for leg leagues join me in wishing them well as they dangered, including efforts to develop im islation affecting millions of Americans. proved vapor detectors to detect plastic ex We stand at the threshold of the 21st begin the important business of hearing veter plosives and methods to detect chemical and Century. The discussions we hold, the ans' appeals for benefits. I believe we have biological agents even if they are in sealed agenda we set at the 1991 Conference will three very wise and able men to carry out this containers. Although other agencies have re carry us forward into the next century. · responsibility. Hopefully, we will soon have a search and development programs to deal The fact is that the House and Senate by full complement of seven judges appointed to with their specialized concerns, such as the overwhelming margins passed the Older the court. Americans Act Amendments in 1987, which Mr. Speaker, the creation of the Court of FAA efforts to screen baggage this is the only authorized the President to call the 1991 U.S. Government effort designed to help conference. In June, I held a hearing of the Veterans Appeals will help strengthen veter launch projects whose applications eventually Subcommittee on Human Services to urge ans' confidence in the system. It sends a new, could be used by a variety of organizations, the President to hold the 1991 Conference. clear message that the Nation wants to do the including those at the local level. The poten At that time, the Administration assured us right thing when it comes to taking care of our tial applications can be used to protect civilian that the Conference was under review. defenders and seeing to it that they receive buildings as well as aircraft or airports. In August, the Leadership Council of necessary benefits and services. I know that my colleagues will agree that it Aging Organizations, on behalf of 24 organi For many years, there was no consensus zations representing millions of older Amer is very pound-foolish to cut this important icans, wrote to President Bush and urged among the Nation's veterans' service organi counterterrorism program. After all the an him to call the Conference. In September, zations on whether veterans' claims should be guish we have seen following the terrible with 91 of my colleagues, I wrote President subject to judical review; therefore, putting a bombing of Pan Am 103, how can we say that Bush and urged him to call the White bill together that organizations could support a great country like ours cannot find at least House Conference. At that time, we said was very difficult. It is the result of a lot of another million or two dollars to keep alive "Time is running out". Six more weeks have hard work and compromise. But I believe we this important program. This is a small price to passed. Whenever I speak to senior citizen are all pleased with what we were able to de pay to support an important counterterrorism groups I am asked about the White House Conference. People are concerned about the velop, and I was particularly pleased to have program, and continue the war against this delay and wonder whether it portends bad been present to help dedicate this new and international menace. news for the Conference. special court for veterans. This is not an idle concern. Nor is it a deci Mr. Speaker, I would like to share with my MR. PRESIDENT, OLDER sion to be lightly made. The President can colleagues the very eloquent comments of the AMERICANS AWAIT YOUR CALL not simply wake up one morning a year Chief Justice of the United States, the Honor from now and decide to have a conference. able William Rehnquist, and chief judge of the The planning of a White House Conference Court of Veterans Appeals Frank Nebeker HON.THOMASJ.DOWNEY is no simple task. To be most effective it during the convocational ceremony. OF NEW YORK must be preceded by state and regional con THE HONORABLE WILLIAM H. REHNQUIST, IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES ferences which produce recommendations which can be acted on by the full White CHIEF JUSTICE OF THE UNITED STATES Monday, October 30, 1989 House Conference. I have checked the It's a great privilege to be here today at Mr. DOWNEY. Mr. Speaker, yesterday I was record. No other President has delayed this the occasion of the commencement of the joined by representatives of the Leadership critical decision so long. Court of Veterans Appeals and to have Whenever we inquire of the White House sworn in Judge Farley and Judge Kramer. Council of Aging Organizations, representing about the status of the Conference, we are The United States Court of Veterans Ap millions of older Americans, at a press confer told it is under review. Unfortunately, we peals is beginning its existence almost two ence critizing President Bush for his failure to see a recurring pattern here. Policy reviews hundred years after the Supreme Court of call for a White House Conference on Aging are more and more becoming excuses for the United States began its existence. Our in 1991. Administration inaction and timidity. Our Court began February 1, 1790. 26502 EXTENSIONS OF REMARKS October 30, 1989 And there is more than one similarity gram that was in existence during World Tish joined the board of the Greenpoint here because you are convening, Frank, War II. YMCA in 1987. She and Guido have partici with three judges and you have a quorum, In 1950, the United States Court of Mili pated actively in YMCA youth programs. They but you don't have your full complement. tary Appeals commenced its operation with have spoken on behalf of the YMCA's service When our Court began two hundred years no antecedent tribunal from which to inher ago, there were only three out of six, which it anything by way of jurisprudence or any to youth program and by fundraising for the was not a quorum, according to the statute; thing by way of just property-the same sit annual Invest-In-Youth campaigns. so the court simply adjourned and came uation that the U.S. Court of Veterans Ap- Tish and Guido have been married for 34 back the next day, and they found that two . peals finds itself in today. years. Tish is an aide to Assemblyman Joseph more judges had arrived in town and they In 1974, there was a temporary Emergen Lentol. Guido is retired from the department of had a quorum. cy Court of Appeals dealing with wage and sanitation where he was a local 831 union The United States Court of Veterans Ap price stabilization of the last decade. peals is going to indulge or rather engage, I A Special Court for Regional Reorganiza delegate for 15 years. dare say, in some very important work. tion of Railroads, believe it or not, was cre It is a pleasure for me to honor this team For many, many years Congress had pre ated also in 1974; and the Foreign Intelli for demonstrating their longstanding commit cluded review in the courts of decisions gence Surveillance Court is also one which ment to the community. awarding veterans benefits; and this was felt has been created, if you will, with no ante necessary by Congress because they cedent entity before it. thought keeping it on an informal basis and Well, that's the history so far, Mr. Secre having a non-adversary procedure, as they tary, of the court. I pledge to you work and viewed it, would help the veterans in the attention to the rules as they are pre TRIBUTE TO THE LEMPKE long run. scribed. BLACKWELL VETERANS OF But the feeling was developed by many I pledge that to all who come before the FOREIGN WARS POST 7573 people that the veterans were not being ac court. corded the same right to go to court and challenge awards as many other citizens were. HON. DAVID E. BONIOR There was a statute that prohibited an at THERESA AND GUIDO OF MICHIGAN CIANCIOTTA torney employed in obtaining veterans bene IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES fits from charging a fee of more than ten dollars, and this statute was enacted in 1863. Monday, October 30, 1989 And so even by the standards of its own HON. EDOLPHUS TOWNS day, it was rather stringent; of course, it was OF NEW YORK Mr. BONIOR. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to the same thing as saying, "there shall be no IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES pay tribute to the Lempke Blackwell Veterans paid attorneys in veterans cases." of Foreign Wars Post 7573 in New Baltimore, Monday, October 30, 1989 Well, whatever the rights and wrongs of Ml. that long dispute, our Congress has now Mr. TOWNS. Mr. Speaker, today I rise to On October 30, 1949, the 23 original char acted to create a tribunal in which veterans pay tribute to a husband and wife team who ter members of the newly founded VFW Post have recourse to the court of veterans ap have worked tirelessly to serve the North 7573 drew the names Lempke and Blackwell peals from veterans benefits decisions made Brooklyn community for many years. Theresa in the Veterans' Administration. from a hat. These two names were selected And I know that everybody here in this (Tish) and Guido Cianciotta are dedicated to represent all seven New Baltimore resi room and I'm sure everyone throughout the leaders of the Concerned Citizens of Withers dents who died in combat during the Second Street [CCWS] and the area block associa country joins me in wishing to you, Chief World War. Judge Nebeker, Judge Farley, and Judge tion. Since 1949 the Lempke Blackwell Post has Kramer and future colleagues on this court As leaders of CCWS, Tish and Guido, have seen the groundbreaking of their own hall in the very best wishes for success in your new been an inspiration to the residents of the and very important endeavor. Thank you. Greenpoint and Williamsburg communities. 1957 and an increase in membership to 513. Under their able leadership, the residents of There is reason to believe that the future THE HONORABLE FRANK Q. NEBEKER, CHIEF the two communities have joined together to holds even more success for this post. JUDGE OF THE UNITED STATES COURT OF The post has always remained active in fos VETERANS APPEALS improve the quality of life in the area. tering community interest in the great country Thank you, Mr. Chief Justice, for those In their commitment and dedication to the fine comments. betterment of the community, this dynamic its members served. Dedicated to promoting a This day indeed produces an historical husband and wife team are actively involved spirit of national pride, the post sponsors the event for our veterans and for the Federal with many grassroots community groups and Voice of Democracy Program for high school judiciary. For the first time the traditional local organizations. In addition to CCWS, their students in the New Baltimore area. process of judicial review of administrative community involvement is manifested through The Voice of Democracy is a scriptwriting action is provided for veterans claims. their memberships in: the Greenpoint Renais The court is not engaged in a process of a program. The nationwide program gives high judicial trial of the underlying facts of a sance Enterprise Corp.; Community Board No. school students the opportunity to voice their particular claim but, rather, is engaged in 1; and the Greenpoint YMCA. opinion on their responsibilities to our country. one of traditional judicial review of adverse Under the mantleship of Tish and Guido, Post 7573 was the sponsor of Michigan's actions on veterans claims by the new CCWS has been recognized locally and na Voice of Democracy winner, Mr. Kevin Linda United States Department of Veterans Af tionally. The Honorable STEPHEN SOLARZ, mood, this past year. This is a distinction of fairs, where basically the same administra Member of Congress from the 13th Congres tive methods of adjudication remain. which they should be proud. sional District of New York presented CCWS The post also sponsors a junior scriptwriting For the Federal judiciary, on the other with a Congressional Medal of Merit for out hand, this event is significant for it is only contest for junior high students and a camp the seventh time in the history of the standing service to the community. In 1987, out for younger kids. The ways that the post the Citizens Committee for New York present United States that a United States court of has touched the New Baltimore area are ex ed CCWS with their Drug Prevention Award. national jurisdiction, that is, a court unfet emplified by their commitment to the commu tered by geographical limit on its jurisdic In 1986, Seneca Club presented the Cian tion, has been created. ciotta's with their Community Service Award. nity's young people. The first, as the Chief Justice pointed out, In 1987, the North Brooklyn Merchants Asso I commend the Lempke Blackwell Veterans was the Supreme Court. ciation honored Tish and Guido for their ef of Foreign Wars Post 7573 on their 40 suc There was a considerable period of time forts to obtain Christmas lights for Graham cessful years of existence. I am confident the before another such national court came on Avenue. In 1988, this dynamic couple was next 40 years will be even better. the scene. In 1942, the United States Emer Above all, Mr. Speaker, I pay tribute to the gency Court of Appeals, which some of you among the honorees at the 20th anniversary here may well remember, aided in that adju community celebration of the Brooklyn Legal brave men and women who have given their dication of the wartime price control pro- Services Corp. lives to keep this great sovereign Nation free. October 30, 1989 EXTENSIONS OF REMARKS 26503 A SALUTE TO JOHN M. The low point of his career was the Janu Many Americans take for granted those HAIRSTON ary 1985 suicide of Superintendent Freder who daily place their lives on the line to pro ick D. Holliday. Because Holliday had been tect the rest of us from violence. But on this establishing himself as a role model for HON. LOUIS STOKES black youngsters, Hairston said, "I made up occasion, it is fitting that we should stop and OF OHIO my mind at that time that anyone who express thanks to those brave men and IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES called on me to speak would get the same women who work long and hard to protect us. show, whether it's three people or 200." We should be especially mindful of those who Monday, October 30, 1989 In addition to being the district's chief have died and those who will die so that the Mr. STOKES. Mr. Speaker, I always enjoy spokesman, he is one of its troubleshooters. rest of us may be safe in our homes and com bragging on the outstanding leaders from He said he liked the problem-solving part of munities. Cleveland. Today, is no different. I am pleased his job, but disliked "the inability to make In the last decade in Tennessee, 31 law en to recognize Mr. John M Hairston, community immediate change for both the kids and forcement officers have given their lives in the relations chief for the Cleveland public parents. "Change in education is a long, drawn-out line of duty. schools, an unwavering advocate for quality process," he said. The memorial is a way for the rest of us to education in Cleveland and a longtime friend. honor all law enforcement officers and espe John is one of the many dedicated and cially to those who have paid the ultimate committed individuals working with the Cleve "GENERAL" ORTEGA'S THREAT price. land public schools to make the educational TO RENEW WAR process a productive and enjoyable one for the children of Cleveland. John Hairston is an HON. WM. S. BROOMFIELD CONGRATULATIONS, JIM individual who has remained enthusiastic McPOLAND OF MICHIGAN about helping young people to utilize a free education for their betterment and for the ben IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES HON. ELIOT L. ENGEL efit of the community. Monday, October 30, 1989 OF NEW YORK Mr. Speaker, at this moment, our country Mr. BROOMFIELD. Mr. Speaker, over the IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES needs more John Hairstons. Our Nation must past weekend the largest group of Western Monday, October 30, 1989 have more leaders like John Hairston, who Hemisphere leaders in over 20 years gathered are committed to making the educational together in Costa Rica to celebrate that na Mr. ENGEL. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to process work for the community and for our tion's longstanding and proud democratic tra offer congratulations to one of my constitu youth. dition. They met to promote democracy and ents, Jim McPoland. Jim, who during his 74 Recently, John was featured in the freedom throughout the region. productive years, has been the holder of five "Today's Profile" section of the Cleveland One leader must not have read the agenda. world records in track, is today being inducted Plain Dealer for his contributions to Cleveland That leader spoke from an entirely different into the Hall of Fame for New York University. public schools. The text of that profile follows: script. That leader spoke of continued war Jim has led an active and full life. He was Mr. Speaker, I am proud to salute John M. and aggression and subversion of the demo an athletic champion even in grammar school. Hairston's commitment to the children of cratic process. That leader, Daniel Ortega, re At George Washington High School in New Cleveland. vealed his true colors-again! York, Jim was an all-around athlete. He won [From the Cleveland Plain Dealer, Oct. 18, True to form, "General" Ortega skipped the more varsity letters than any other student in 1989) concluding ceremony in the Plaza of Democ the history of the school. He was captain of CHIEF SPOKESMAN FOR CITY SCHOOLS Ar.so A racy and held a press conference to threaten the football team and was selected as quar LISTENER the Nicaraguan people with plans to scrap the terback for the 1934 New York City all-city . as a stand-in for both a large increase in the "Act for Better Child Care Services" is com Under ABC, services to young children are minimum wage . places these scenarios in the context acting responsibly will provoke Congress the forces. These procedures consume mil of recent appropriations. Note how the lions of manhours of labor and produce tons baseline program assumes a sharp increase into acting irresponsibly leads to the conclu of paper, and each year, their end product in future appropriations. Step 2 will answer sion that the Pentagon should deliberately the Five Year Defense Plan-promptly exaggerate its needs in the national interest; the question: What happens if these in in other words, that it is justified in commit melts away. creases do not materialize? The graph on the left shows how this hap Scenario 1, known as the "Constant Dollar ting a crime-lying to Congress-because it pens. Compare the past eight five-year Freeze," reimburses the Pentagon for infla is morally superior. plans with actual appropriations. The Pen tion only-it slopes upward at 4% per year. Strategy is not a game between the Penta tagon's strategists produce budgets that This scenario has been the rough position gon and Congress; it is the art of the possi simply cannot be executed because they of the U.S. Senate since 1985, and it reduces ble in a world where constraints force us to assume a defense strategy depends only on the baseline by $106 billion between 1990 choose between unpleasant or imperfect al ternatives. If we want meaningful priorities, goal and threats. Strategy, however, is and 1994. about possibilities, not hopes and dreams. Scenario 3, the "Current Dollar Freeze," we must understand the trade-offs they By ignoring costs, U.S. strategists abdicate has been the approximate position of the imply before we make commitments. Strate their responsibility for hard decisions. That gy is not a separate event in an idealized se House of Representatives for about four quence of discrete events; it is a way of puts the real strategic decisions in the years. It freezes the budget at its current hands of others: bean counters, budgeteers, level, and forces the Pentagon to eat the ef thinking that neutralizes threats to our in and porkbarrelers. These people have differ fects of inflation until 1994. This reduces terests in a manner consistent with our fi ent agendas. And as a result-as the recent the baseline by $229 billion. nancial, cultural and physical limitations. vote by the House to undo Mr. Cheney's Scenario 2 extends the recent compro program terminations suggests-the preser mises between the House and the Senate; it GOP SHOULD JUST SAY NO TO vation of jobs is becoming the real goal of splits the difference between Scenarios 1 defense "strategy." and 3, by increasing the budget at 2% per NEW TAXES START IN THE PENTAGON year. It reduces the baseline by $169 billion. How can we turn this situation around? Finally, Scenario 4 reduces the budget by HON. DUNCAN HUNTER Reform starts in the Pentagon. Strategists 2% per year for the next five years-a total OF CALIFORNIA should consider the impact of budget uncer reduction of $287 billion. This can be tainties at the beginning of the planning thought of as a pessimistic prediction, per IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES process. They ought to examine how a haps driven by the sequestering effects of Monday, October 30, 1989 range of optimistic to pessimistic budget the Gramm-Rudman deficit reduction law scenarios would change the defense pro or possibly a relaxation of tensions with the Mr. HUNTER. Mr. Speaker, I thought that gram. They would then develop priorities by Soviet Union. my colleagues of both sides of the aisle would identifying the least painful program cuts The strategic planners in the Joint Chiefs be interested in this enlightening article by the as they moved from higher to lower budg of Staff would construct the most effective San Diego Union's Robert Caldwell. ets. They would also identify the best way defense program for each scenario, maxi [From the San Diego Union, Sept. 24, to add programs, should the budget come in mizing strengths and minimizing weakness 1989] at higher levels. This kind of contingency es. They would conclude their efforts by analysis is common in war planning and producing a comprehensive net assessment GOP SHOULD JUST SAY No TO NEW TAXES business planning. There is no reason that it for each plan-including the assumptions are star Our five-year plan contains three account these limitations. ing one in the face. It is-read our lips ing devices-negative money, an above guid This exercise would reveal the true cost of taxes. ance management reserve and optimistic in a particular program by forcing the strate Hardly a day goes by without yet another flation estimates-which understate the gists to make hard decisions. If, for exam veiled suggestion from Democrats in Con spending the Pentagon has committed itself ple, they choose to keep the B-2 Stealth gress that what America needs is a tax in to by almost $100 billion. bomber, they would have to sacrifice more crease. Negative money was invented in 1988 to and more other programs-such as carrier Without more taxes, it is said, little of the make the 1990-94 Five Year Defense Plan battlegroups or army divisions-as they nation's current political agenda can be ac conform to the numbers in President Rea moved toward lower budget levels. These complished. The war on drugs, supporting gan's final budget submission to Congress. tradeoffs would evolve priorities by reveal reform in Eastern Europe, bailing out the That plan exceeded the numbers contained ing when the cost of the B-2 became prohib botched Catastrophic Health Care Act, in his budget message by $45 billion. To itive. cleaning the air, shrinking the deficit; all make the books balance, as is required by Some may be tempted to argue that the this and more supposedly depend on what law, somebody invented a new budget line idea of a strategic review merely resurrects the Democrats decorously refer to as more item that simply subtracted $45 billion. It is the infamous Zero-Based Budgeting CZBB> "revenue." October 30, 1989 EXTENSIONS OF REMARKS 26509 What they mean, of course, is a tax in do, it will mean many more votes for Repub states have the line-item veto that presi crease. But Democrats rarely say so out licans. dents need, but cannot get from Congress, loud lest they hand President Bush a sharp The poor and the working poor-families to trim outsized budgets and keep spending sword to use against them. with gross incomes up to $19,000 a year-are under control. Mr. Bush and the Republicans need not paying from 34 percent to 49 percent of As the Heritage Foundation's Moore wait. They could seize the metaphorical tax their gross incomes in taxes. One might notes, the states have finished each of the sword themselves and wield it with devastat assume that the Democrats would not risk last 20 years with a cumulative net surplus ing political effect. The reasons are self-evi telling these families, typically among the while the federal government has run dent. Democrats' core constituents, that they annual deficits. Any argument for more taxes rests on the need to pay more taxes. As for the federal deficits, it remains a implicit assumption that Americans are cur Yet some congressional Democrats are problem and needs to be reduced further. rently undertaxed. Not surprisingly, most quietly backing suggestions for higher taxes But the deficit also should be viewed in Americans disagree. A Gallup Poll taken on alcohol and tobacco products. These proper perspective. Borrowing by govern last January and February found over taxes would add disproportionately to the ment in the United States averaged 2.8 per whelming majorities of Americans opposed tax burdens of those on the lower rungs of cent of GNP during the 1980s-lower than to broad-based new taxes, including across the economic ladder. Other Democrats, and West Germany's 3.1 percent and lower than the-board hikes in income tax rates, higher some Republicans, favor increases in the the average for Britain, France, Belgium, gasoline taxes, or a national sales tax. gasoline tax, as both a conservation and rev Denmark, Ireland, West Germany, Luxem A Roper Poll released last January enue-generating measure. bourg, and the Netherlands. showed similar results. A high majority, 73 But higher gasoline taxes also affect the The point is, the Republicans have the percent opposed new taxes. Those polled fa poor and low-income families disproportion facts to argue that tax increases now are vored reducing the deficit through spending ately because larger shares of their small in not necessary, and are not desirable. cuts rather than tax increases by a margin comes go to such necessities as transporta What is more, the Republicans have an of nearly 14- 1. tion. immense political opportunity. Republicans Indeed, 70 percent of those polled by Excusing the middle class and the working can offer the American people a sort of Roper said that higher taxes would only poor leaves only the "rich" to pay the social compact, a stipulation that one-third prompt Congress to spend more. Recent his higher taxes many in Congress favor. of the average American family's income is tory supports his belief. But American families with incomes over all that government should ever cost in Warren T. Brookes, an economist and col $90,000 a year on Labor Statistics negotiations. all meetings and hearings of Senate NOVEMBER2 SD-215 committees, subcommittees, joint com Governmental Affairs 9:30 a.m. mittees, and committees of conference. Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry General Services, Federalism, and the Dis This title requires all such committees Business meeting, to mark up S. 1729, trict of Columbia Subcommittee to notify the Office of the Senate authorizing funds through fiscal year To hold oversight hearings to review the Daily Digest-designated by the Rules activities of the General Services Ad 1994 for the Commodity Exchange ministration. Committee-of the time, place, and Act, and to reorganize the Commodity SD-342 purpose of the meetings, when sched Futures Trading Commission. uled, and any cancellations or changes SR-332 NOVEMBER6 in the meetings as they occur. Energy and Natural Resources To hold hearings on the findings of the 2:00 p.m. As an additional procedure along study conducted by the Monitored Re Finance with the computerization of this infor trievable Storage Commission International Trade Subcommittee mation, the Office of the Senate Daily and the Department of Energy's plans To hold hearings on U.S.-Japan Struc Digest will prepare this information for including MRS in the waste man tural Impediments Initiative . To hold hearings on proposed legislation Telecommunications and Information Certified Copy of the Convention Con- to strengthen and improve U.S. agri- October 30, 1989 EXTENSIONS OF REMARKS 26511 cultural programs, focusing on reform NOVEMBER 14 NOVEMBER21 of P.L. 480, food for peace programs. 9:30 a.m. 10:00 a.m. SR-332 Energy and Natural Resources Judiciary To hold oversight hearings on potential Constitution Subcommittee NOVEMBERS alternative energy sources for trans To hold hearings on S. 1236, to provide 9:30 a.m. portation, focusing on compressed nat for a waiting period before the sale, Commerce, Science, and Transportation ural gas, reformulated gasoline, etha delivery, or transfer of a handgun. Aviation Subcommittee nol, and electricity (electric vehicles). SD-226 To hold hearings on S. 1741, to increase SD-366 competition among commercial air carriers at the Nation's major airports. NOVEMBER 15 CANCELLATIONS SR-301 9:30 a.m. Commerce, Science, and Transportation Veterans' Affairs OCTOBER31 Consumer Subcommittee To hold hearings on health care for 9:30 a.m. To hold hearings on S. 891, to provide for rural veterans. Governmental Affairs the modernization of testing of con SR-418 To hold hearings on trade and technolo- sumer products which contain hazard gy issues. ous or toxic substances. NOVEMBER 16 SD-342 SR-253 9:00 a.m. Commerce, Science, and Transportation NOVEMBER9 Communications Subcommittee POSTPONEMENTS 9:30 a.m. To hold oversight hearings on the im Energy and Natural Resources plementation of the Cable Telecom NOVEMBER2 To hold hearings on a proposed commit munications Act . SR-253
