July 30, 1999 EXTENSIONS OF REMARKS 18871 ‘‘And whoever receives one such child in My THERE IS A VIRUS LOOSE WITHIN ginia, boy suspended for making threats name receives Me; but whoever causes one OUR CULTURE: AN HONEST LOOK against students who mocked his work was of these little ones who believes in Me to AT MUSIC’S IMPACT fascinated with Marilyn Manson. Five Wis- consin teenagers who had planned ‘‘a blood- stumble, it is better for him that a heavy mill- bath at their school in revenge for being stone be hung around his neck, and that he HON. THOMAS G. TANCREDO teased’’ consumed Manson’s message. be drowned in the depth of the sea.’’ OF COLORADO Some claim this is all just a coincidence. IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES Perhaps, but a series of parallels suggests a I applaud my colleagues who reached more concrete connection. The first is the across party lines to protect children from Thursday, July 29, 1999 parallel between the facts of these cases, the those who would exploit them by normalizing Mr. TANCREDO. Mr. Speaker, it has been motivation of the killers, and the themes in pedophilia. more than three months since the tragic event the music they consumed. According to of Columbine High School occurred a few media reports, these boys all killed out of f blocks from my home. As we here in Con- hatred for, or revenge against, those who had offended, harassed, or persecuted them. Luke gress continue to struggle to find ways to pre- Woodham, for example, had said that ‘‘the OBITUARY OF MRS. ADDIE vent this terror from ever happening again, I world has wronged me.’’ THOMASON (1896–1999) would like to call attention to a report prepared Consider what their idol Marilyn Manson by the Free Congress Foundation which will told them to do about it: hopefully broaden our understanding of how ‘‘The big bully try to stick his finger in HON. SUE WILKINS MYRICK cultural factors shape the lives of our youth. my chest, try to tell me, tell me he’s the I would like to submit into the record the at- OF NORTH CAROLINA best. But I don’t really give a good * * * tached executive summary from the report, cause I got my lunchbox and I’m armed IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES written by Tom Jipping, Director of the Center real well. . . . Next * * * gonna get my for Law and Democracy at the Free Congress Thursday, July 29, 1999 metal. . . . Pow pow pow, pow pow pow, Foundation, which details popular music’s con- pow pow pow, pow pow pow. . . . I Mrs. MYRICK. Mr. Speaker, Mrs. Addie tribution to youth violence. Mr. Jipping has wanna grow up so no one * * * with me Pressley Thomason was born in York County, worked with at-risk youth for a dozen years, ‘‘But your selective judgments and South Carolina to the late John and Katie Wil- and research and written in this area for over goodguy badges don’t mean a * * * to me. son Pressley on October 9, 1896. She was a decade. The report outlines research, survey I throw a little fit. I slit my teenage wrist. data, and other evidence documenting how called to her reward on Monday, July 12, 1999 . . . Get your gunn, get your gunn some popular music can lead some young at Gaston Memorial Hospital, Gastonia, North ‘‘I hate the hater, I’d rape the raper people to violence. Many congressional offices ‘‘There’s no time to discriminate, hate Carolina. have received a hard copy of the entire report every * * * that’s in your way. A lifelong resident of the Gastonia metro- already. ‘‘There is no cure for what is killing me, politan area, Addie Thomason was the daugh- The report does not advocate any specific I’m on my way down; I’ve looked ahead ter and wife of farmers. She was a witness to policy proposals but instead provides com- and saw a world that’s dead, I guess I am more than a century of change and progress prehensive information that will make anyone, too; I’m on my way down, I’d like to take in the area; from mule-drawn transportation to no matter what plan of action they pursue, you with me space flight, and from rigid segregation to a better informed. ‘‘I’ll make everyone pay and you will society more representative of the needs and The report has been endorsed by hundreds see . . . The boy that you loved is the of grassroots organizations and religious lead- aspirations of all its citizens. Through it all, monster you fear. ers from the evangelical, Catholic, Jewish and ‘‘Mother Addie’’ was a source of support, sta- ‘‘When you are suffering know that I Orthodox communities. I urge all Members to bility, courage, and comfort to her family, have betrayed you read the attached executive summary and the ‘‘Shoot here and the world gets smaller; friends, and community at large. She was pas- full report as we continue to address the prob- Shoot shoot shoot * * * sionately committed to education and, despite lem of youth violence and delinquency. ‘‘Live like a teenage christ; I’m a saint, being denied access to a formal education ‘‘THERE ISAVIRUS LOOSE WITHIN OUR CUL- got a date with suicide during her formative years, she persevered in TURE:’’ AN HONEST LOOK AT MUSIC’S IMPACT ‘‘I’m dying, I hope you’re dying too pursuing her own goal of learning to read and (By Thomas L. Jipping) ‘‘I’m gonna hate you tomorrow because write by attending school at the age of 85—an After two teenagers killed twelve of their you make me hate you today’’ achievement recognized by the then Governor peers, a teacher, and themselves at Col- The second parallel is the message Manson of the State of North Carolina. umbine High School in Littleton, Colorado, himself says he tries to promote. Ordained in the During her life, ‘‘Mother Addie’’ was an avid Governor Bill Owens said that ‘‘there is a Church of Satan, Manson has said that virus loose within our culture.’’ The effort to ‘‘[Church of Satan founder Anton] LaVey along gardener and active member of several area identify that virus is properly focusing on with Nietzsche and [British Satanist Aleistair] church congregations; including New Home visually powerful elements of youth culture Crowley have all been great influences on the AME Zion in York, South Carolina, Ebeneezer such as television, movies, and video games. way that I think.’’ In a foreword to the book Baptist Church in Kings Mountain, North Caro- This report addresses whether non-visual Satan Speaks, Manson wrote that ‘‘Anton lina, and St. John Missionary Baptist Church media such as popular music are also part of LaVey was the most righteous man I’ve ever this cultural virus that can help lead some known.’’ of Gastonia, North Carolina. She often cred- young people to violence. On CNN’s The American Edge program, Man- ited her faith in God as the source of her Five days after the massacre, on NBC’s son explained his message: ‘‘God is dead, you strength, determination, and longevity. Meet the Press, host Tim Russert reported are your own god. It’s a lot about self preserva- tion. . . . It’s the part of you that no longer has Addie Thomason was preceded in death by that the Littleton killers idolized shock- rocker Marilyn Manson, described by even hope in mankind. And you realize that you are her husband, Fred Thomason and son Fred, the music press as an ‘‘ultra-violent satanic the only thing you believe in.’’ Manson has Jr. She leaves six loving children: Rev. John rock monstrosity.’’ They were not alone. Kip compared Christians to Nazis and insists that Thomason of Bloomfield, New Jersey; Leroy Kinkel, who murdered his parents and two ‘‘hate is just as healthy and worthwhile as Thomason of Stanley, North Carolina; and students in Springfield, Oregon, consumed love.’’ This message contributes to the situation Rev. Mason Thomason, Alice Ross, Lillian Manson’s message. Andrew Wurst, who killed Vice President Al Gore described at a Littleton a teacher at an eighth-grade dance in memorial service on April 25, 1999: ‘‘Too many Thomason, and Cora Lee Hart, all of Gas- Edinboro, Pennsylvania, was nicknamed young people place too little value on human tonia, North Carolina. ‘‘Satan’’ because he ‘‘was a fan of rocker life.’’ She is also survived by two loving daugh- Marilyn Manson and his dark music.’’ Luke The third parallel is Manson’s own life, which ters-in-law, sixteen grandchildren, twenty-three Woodham, who murdered his parents and a looks similar to those who consume and act on classmate in Pearl, Mississippi, was a fan of his message. In one interview, he described it great-grandchildren, and sixteen great-great Manson’s ‘‘nihilistic’’ lyrics. this way: ‘‘Then I had to go to public school grandchildren, as well as a host of family and This pattern includes other violent youths and they would always kick my ass. . . . So I friends. whose plans were foiled. A Leesburg, Vir- didn’t end up having a lot of friends and music

VerDate jul 14 2003 13:24 Apr 29, 2004 Jkt 069102 PO 00000 Frm 00012 Fmt 0689 Sfmt 6333 E:\BR99\E30JY9.000 E30JY9 18872 EXTENSIONS OF REMARKS July 30, 1999 was the only thing I had to enjoy. So I got into photographer, she has received critical ac- [From Washington Times, May 30, 1999] [heavy metal rock bands] Kiss, Black Sabbath claim for her works of art. EMBRACING PEACE AND PROGRESS and things like that.’’ Toni Parks will take the podium to share her The statement of Ehud Barak, newly elect- While Marilyn Manson alone is not the prob- experiences with the students and enthusiasts ed Israeli prime minister, that he is deter- lem, his brand of music promotes violence more mined to revive the Middle East peace proc- aggressively than ever. Indeed, Manson’s own of the RC Hickman Young Photographers Workshop at the South Dallas Cultural Center, ess, to withdraw Israeli troops from Lebanon response to the Littleton massacre raises the and to negotiate with Syria and the Pal- issue to be addressed here. Television or even re- located on the corner of Robert B. Cullum and estinians is good news. ligion may cause youth violence, he says, but Fitzhugh. The program is presented each year Mr. Barak’s words are encouraging to music plays no role whatsoever. In fact, he by the Artist and Elaine Thornton Foundation Israelis who seek the security only peace can claims that he is actually a victim when he as- For the Arts, Inc., a non-profit organization es- bring, to Palestinians whose aspirations for serts that the media ‘‘has unfairly scapegoated tablished to educate, promote and embrace a place of their own can only be satisfied the music industry. . . . and has speculated— the arts of all disciplines including drama, with the acquiescence of Israel, and to the with no basis in truth—that artists like myself United States, which has worked for a settle- are in some way [sic] to blame.’’ dance, visual, and music. Its mission is to ment of the Arab-Israeli dispute for so many Unfortunately, it appears that the music in- bring about positive social awareness to the years. dustry’s only response to this cultural crisis is inner city community, using art as a tool for Also encouraging is Syria’s quick and af- simply to deny that its products have any effect positive social change. firming response expressing a willingness to on anyone. One the June 29, 1999, edition on We salute you Toni Parks. resume negotiations with Israel and asking CNN’s Showbiz Today program, for example, Therefore, I ask that all citizens of Dallas that Lebanon be included. Apparently, Mr. Barak—once he has put musician Billy Joel dismissed as ‘‘absurd’’ the join in celebrating July 31st, 1999 as ‘‘Toni idea that music influences violent behavior. together his government coalition—is pre- Elton John put it more bluntly: ‘‘It has nothing Parks Day.’’ pared to take bold initiatives to break the to do with the musical content or the lyrics f impasse in Israeli-Palestinian relations. As whatsoever. [The idea is] absolute rubbish.’’ an example, he might implement the Wye No one, or course, argues that popular music RECOGNIZING JACQUE CORTEZ Agreement that requires withdrawal of is the sole cause of youth violence. Something as Israel from 13 percent of the West Bank. This complex as human behavior does not have a sole wouldn’t require further negotiations be- cause. The question is not whether popular HON. GEORGE RADANOVICH cause it already was agreed upon and should music is the exclusive cause of youth (something OF CALIFORNIA have been done many months ago, if the Likud government had not reneged on the no one seriously argues), but whether there is IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES any ‘‘basis in truth’’ for the proposition that deal. some popular music makes a real contribution to Thursday, July 29, 1999 It would be appropriate and wise for Pales- tinian leader Yasser Arafat to acknowledge youth (something only the music industry de- Mr. RADANOVICH. Mr. Speaker, I rise nies). openly Israel’s need for security by announc- today to recognize Jacque Cortez upon her ing and taking strong, credible new measures The affirmative answer to this question rests selection by Visalia-area schools as a ‘‘Good on three pillars. First, media such as television to suppress terrorist acts against Israel. Mr. Arafat has to do more than he has done pre- and music are very powerful influences on atti- Kid.’’ Jacque was chosen based on her aca- viously. tudes and behavior. Second, popular music in demic achievements, classroom leadership, Such moves by Mr. Barak and Mr. Arafat an even more powerful influence on young peo- and efforts in literature and music. would begin to clear the smothering fog or ple. Third, some of the most popular music The ‘‘Good Kid’’ program was formed in an acrimony and distrust left behind by Ben- today promotes destructive behavior such as vio- effort to provide students with positive rein- jamin Netanyahu and would engender an at- lence and drug use. forcement. The program allows Visalia teach- mosphere more conducive to serious negotia- Effective prescriptions require accurate diag- ers to nominate students, who have excelled tions. noses. Whether the solution involves parental in academics and demonstrated a good work Considering the checkered nature of the involvement, public policy, pressure on record- ethic, for recognition in the Visalia Times Delta peace process up to this time, it is hard to ing companies or retailers to change their prac- have confidence a fresh start will succeed. tices, or all of these and more, the effort must be newspaper. Those individuals selected are mentioned in a piece featured daily in the But Mr. Barak comes to office with a clear informed by a comprehensive understanding of mandate from his people, and the Palestin- the problem. Times Delta. ians must recognize that they now have an- Jacque Cortez, who was nominated by her f other chance to complete the process devel- fifth grade teacher, currently attends sixth oped in Oslo. TONI PARKS, GUEST LECTURER grade at Willow Glen Elementary in Visalia, Mr. Barak and Mr. Arafat surely must re- FOR THE RC HICKMAN YOUNG California. Throughout Jacque’s years at Wil- alize the future of the region lies in peace— PHOTOGRAPHERS WORKSHOP low Glen, faculty and classmates alike have not stalemate, and not war. If they deter- considered her a leader who is eager to learn mine to choose a future in which their human and financial resources can be con- and always willing to assist others. HON. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON centrated on peacetime tasks, their region Mr. Speaker, I want to recognize Jacque OF TEXAS can be more secure for all, and there will be Cortez for being selected as a ‘‘Good Kid.’’ I an opportunity—with help from the inter- IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES urge my colleagues to join me in wishing national community—to build their econo- Thursday, July 29, 1999 Jacque continued success in her academic mies and establish trade links between them- and extracurricular pursuits. selves and the entire world. It is still true Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas. that political relationships tend to follow Mr. Speaker, I rise to join the constituents of f the trade lanes. the 30th Congressional District of Texas, the In 1974, when I served as a Senate rep- residents of Dallas and my colleagues in the INSIGHTS ON THE PEACE PROCESS resentative on the U.S. delegation to the House of Representatives in taking great United Nations General Assembly, I was in pleasure to proclaim July 31st, 1999 as ‘‘Toni HON. JOHN EDWARD PORTER the hall when Mr. Arafat made his first Parks Day.’’ speech there. At that time, I thought it OF ILLINOIS might be possible to find the path to peace, Mr. Speaker, Ms. Toni Parks is an inter- IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES if the leaders of Israel and the Palestinians nationally acclaimed photographer whose Thursday, July 29, 1999 had the courage to meet, to discuss the di- works have appeared in prominent magazines mensions and details of their mutual di- and newspapers throughout the U.S. and Eu- Mr. PORTER. Mr. Speaker, I am delighted lemma, and to decide what risks they could rope. Her pictures have appeared in Stagebill, to enter into the record an opinion piece from afford, what concessions they could make. American Visions, USIA, Life and Arts, to the May 30th Washington Times by former Illi- Since then, much progress has been made name a few. Toni Parks has been featured in nois Senator Chuck Percy. In this article, Sen- in communications between Arabs and numerous exhibitions including the Look Gal- ator Percy concisely points out the present Israelis. From Camp David to Madrid to Oslo, the peace process became viable and lery, Tony Green Gallery in England, Columbia status of the peace process and those steps promising. But always there were interrup- University, and the Martin Luther King Gallery. that must occur next for progress to continue. tions in the dialogue due to fears aroused on Her photos consist of fashion and beauty as This is a timely and insightful piece that I com- one side or the other, often by terrorist acts only Toni Parks can vision. In her years as a mend to the attention of all members. or unwise unilateral moves by leaders.

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