5132 EXTENSIONS OF REMARKS March 29, 2001 room clerk for this newspaper, a shop stew- and union shop steward ‘‘a citizen/legislator: and others have been subjected to violence, ard and a teacher before getting a job that an educator who came to Capitol Hill and tyranny, and massive human-rights violations put him in charge of more vast stewardships. gave Congress a civics lesson.’’ for many years. Christian churches have been Those include oversight of all America’s pub- But Vento’s greatest legislative achieve- lic lands and helping to rescue the financial ments have been those he made as chairman burned. Priests have been killed, nuns have system from the ruin of the savings and loan and later ranking member of the Resources been raped, and many other atrocities have debacles. Committee’s Parks and Public Lands Sub- been committed with impunity. Muslims have Vento’s career in Congress, and before that committee. ‘‘I cannot think of another per- been killed in massive numbers and the ruling in the Minnesota Legislature, represent an son who has done more to protect America’s party has destroyed mosques. The Indian gov- old-fashioned sense of public service in a national parks,’’ said the Sierra Club’s exec- ernment has killed Sikhs. Religious pilgrims new-fashioned and too-slick political era. He utive director, Carl Pope. ‘‘Protecting our have been attacked with lathis and tear gas. knew what private-public partnerships were nation’s natural heritage is a passionate love This is just a recent sample of the atrocities before the concept became a sound bite for for him.’’ the ambitious. And he has never been afraid Vento’s hometown newspaper, the St. Paul against minorities in India. of a fight when the issue and the people mat- Pioneer Press-Dispatch—where he once Mr. Speaker, India is a significant recipient ter deeply. worked as a mailroom clerk—called him ‘‘an of American aid. Why should the taxpayers of The Reagan and Bush administrations Old Democrat in a New Democrat era’’ who this country pay taxes to support the corrup- were the source of frustration for the man exemplified ‘‘an old-fashioned sense of public tion and tyranny of the Indian Government? from the Fourth. When the Democrats were service in a new-fashioned and too-slick po- There is, however, something that America, as thrown into the congressional minority in litical era.’’ the world’s only superpower, can do about it. 1994, Vento found new rules but always kept Noting that Vento will not be part of the Democrats’ fight to regain the House, the America can stop sending aid to India and his eye on the prize of Democrats retaking support self-determination for the people of the reins. He noted with each election how newspaper added a poetic tribute: ‘‘Larger much the Republican majority had nar- things have taken over. But his mark will Khalistan, Kashmir, and Nagalim. Let us take rowed. This year, Vento will not be in the stand fast. An afternoon with only the these steps to free the people of the subconti- equation for a Democratic House. Larger sounds of the paddle dipping, the wind waft- nent from corruption and brutality. things have taken over. But his mark will ing, and the birds singing in the Boundary Mr. Speaker, I insert into the RECORD an ar- stand fast. Waters Canoe Area is the melody Bruce ticle from the current issue of The Economist An afternoon with only the sounds of the Vento makes in the woods of public policy. about the latest Indian Government bribery paddle dipping, the wind wafting and the . . . Godspeed, Congressman Vento.’’ scandal. I commend it to all my congressional birds singing in the Boundary Waters Canoe f colleagues who care about spending our for- Area is the melody Bruce Vento makes in eign aid dollars wisely. the woods of a public policy. So is the ani- CORRUPTION SCANDAL ENGULFS mated, personal Vento chatting with all INDIAN GOVERNMENT [From The Economist, Mar. 24, 2001] comers at the Labor Day picnic. INDIA’S CORRUPTION BLUES Godspeed, Congressman Vento. HON. DAN BURTON THOUGH IT MAY WELL SURVIVE THE LATEST CORRUPTION SCANDAL, THE AUTHORITY OF OF INDIANA THE LEADING PARTY IN THE GOVERNMENT IS [From the Hill, Feb. 8, 2000] IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES BADLY DENTED GODSPEED, CONGRESSMAN VENTO Thursday, March 29, 2001 Fatalism is ever present in India, and the The premature departure from Congress of Mr. BURTON of Indiana. Mr. Speaker, the government in Delhi seems to be hoping that Rep. Bruce Vento (D-Minn.) because he has a popular belief in the inevitability of cor- been diagnosed with lung cancer will deprive world has been shocked by the recent news stories about a corruption scandal that has en- ruption will help it survive the biggest scan- the House of Representatives of one of its dal of recent times. That hope seems well most dedicated, effective and popular mem- gulfed the Indian government. Already, the founded. But whether the government will bers. president of the ruling BJP and the Defense regain the authority it needs to pursue its Vento, who is retiring in December after 24 Minister have been forced to resign after they two main initiatives—economic reform and years in Congress, stunned and saddended his were caught taking bribes from two internet peace in Kashmir—is much more doubtful. colleagues and his St. Paul district when he news reporters posing as arms dealers in re- The uproar over the release of videotapes disclosed last week that he has a type of can- last week showing top politicians and offi- cer caused by exposure to asbestos. His doc- gard to a fake defense contract. The opposi- tion is calling for the government to resign. cials taking bribes from two Internet news tors at Minnesota’s famed Mayo Clinic have reporters posing as arms dealers has reached recommended an aggressive course of treat- The resignation of Defense Minister George a noisy impasse. The defence minister, ment that will make it impossible for him to Fernandes is no loss for friends of democracy. George Fernandes, has resigned, though he run for a 13th term. Mr. Fernandes is the man who led a meeting remains ‘‘covener’’ of the 18-party ruling Na- The 59-year-old St. Paul lawmaker’s an- in 1999 with the Ambassadors from China, tional Democratic Alliance. The NDA has nouncement that he will end a 30-year public Cuba, Russia, Libya, Serbia, and Iraq aimed lost one member, the Trinamul Congress service career, which began when he was at putting together a security alliance ‘‘to stop party of West Bengal, but remains sure elected to the Minnesota Legislature in 1971, the U.S.’’ This meeting was reported in the enough of its majority to dare the opposition triggered an outpouring of tributes and pray- to bring a no-confidence vote in Parliament. erful concern from lawmakers on both sides May 18, 1999 issue of the Indian Express. Those of us who have been following Indian The opposition, equally sure of its minority, of the aisle. President Clinton and Vice has declined. Instead, it has blocked par- President Gore, who came to Congress the and South Asian issues are not surprised. The liamentary proceedings for a week, relenting same year as Vento, also issued statements Indian Government has demonstrated many long enough only to allow money to be voted of praise and concern. times before how deeply it is infected with cor- for the state to continue functioning. None was more poignant than that from ruption. In India, people have come up with a Both sides have converted an occasion for his fellow Minnesota Democrat, Jim Ober- new word for bribery. They call it ‘‘fee for serv- shame into one for self-righteousness. Sonia star, who noted, ‘‘I lost my wife, Jo, to ice.’’ It has become necessary to pay a fee to Gandhi, leader of a suddenly alert Congress breast cancer, so Bruce’s disclosure that he get government workers of any kind to deliver party, vowed at its plenary meeting in Ban- too is fighting cancer hits close to home. galore to ‘‘wage every war’’ to ‘‘ensure that Bruce has spent the past 24 years in Congress the services that they are mandated to pro- this country is liberated from the shackles of fighting for working people, and now he is in vide. In November 1994, the newspaper this corrupt, shameful and communal gov- a fight for his life.’’ Hitavada reported that the Indian government ernment’’. But she herself was wounded when Even though they often clashed over the paid Surendra Nath, the late governor of Pun- her own personal assistant came under inves- issue of federal control of northern Min- jab, $1.5 billion to generate terrorist activity in tigation in a separate scandal. The prime nesota’s pristine Boundary Waters Canoe Punjab, Khalistan, and in Kashmir as well. minister, Atal Bihari Vajpayee, has blended Area Wilderness, Oberstar called Vento ‘‘a This is in a country where half the population penitence with defensiveness. He has prom- dear friend of mine’’ and ‘‘an exceptional lives below the international poverty line. ised a judicial probe into the allegations, and public servant.’’ a clean-up. But, in a television address on Rep. Jim Leach (R–Iowa), chairman of the Forty-two percent of the people live on less March 16th, Mr. Vajpayee reserved the word Banking and Financial Services Committee than a dollar a day and another forty-two per- ‘‘criminal’’ to describe the hurling of allega- on which Vento serves, praised him for his cent live on less than $2 per day. tions, not the behaviour alleged. leadership on federal banking policy. He In India, corruption is endemic as is tyranny It is true that tehelka.com, the enter- called the former high school science teacher against minorities. Christians, Muslims, Sikhs, prising website that armed its reporters with

VerDate Aug 04 2004 10:53 Feb 16, 2005 Jkt 089102 PO 00000 Frm 00016 Fmt 0689 Sfmt 0634 E:\BR01\E29MR1.000 E29MR1 March 29, 2001 EXTENSIONS OF REMARKS 5133 cash and spy cameras, used surreptitious liament’s upper house, where the govern- practice.’’ It is in this spirit that Dr. Joe B. means to persuade a variety of officials, gen- ment lacks a majority. The crisis may also Hall ‘‘organized a special event for his col- erals and politicians to accept a total of 1.1m strengthen the home ministry, thought to be leagues in the Physician Emeritus group.’’ rupees (about $24,000) in bribes and gifts. It is more reluctant than the prime minister’s ad- The outcome, a symposium, ‘‘Lessons for the also true that some of the most serious alle- visers to make gestures to separatists in New Millennium From the Legacy of the gations made against Mr. Fernandes and Kashmir. If Mr. Vajpayee survives the Country Doctors,’’ was presented by Physi- Brajesh Mishra, the prime minister’s top tehelka scandal, he may begin to ask himself cian Emeritus, Washington Regional Medical aide, among others, are unsubstantiated gos- what, exactly, he is in power for. Foundation and the Arkansas Country Doc- sip. But they have concentrated discussion tor Museum at the Lincoln Community on how many more heads will roll and when. f Building. The real import of the tapes is the evi- COMMEMORATING DOCTOR’S DAY Drs. Herbert Boyer, Edward Forrest Ellis, dence they give that corruption is the norm, AND THE IMPORTANCE OF COUN- William Hugh Mock and P.L. Hathcock prac- not the exception, at every level of public TRY DOCTORS ticed in Washington County, and were hon- life. This does not surprise Indians, who are ored at this historic event. Dr. Jack Wood expected to bribe everyone, starting with spoke of recollections of his honored dad, Dr. traffic policemen. India is beset by what HON. ASA HUTCHINSON Jesse Wood of Ashley County. The honored some call a crisis of governance, which com- OF ARKANSAS country doctors reflect a common concern of promises nearly every public service, from a noble, medical profession: commitment, IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES defence to the distribution of subsidised food care, conviction and compassion in alle- to the generation of electricity. Tehelka.com Thursday, March 29, 2001 viating mankind’s ills and sufferings. Their has simply rubbed Indians’ faces in it. dedication to patients and profession has Politicians, in honest moments, admit Mr. HUTCHINSON. Mr. Speaker, I rise been told in years of community service. this. Kapil Sibal, a prominent member of today to commemorate March 30, Doctor’s Dr. Herbert Boyer (Nov. 13, 1886–June 12, Congress, says ‘‘the system is thoroughly Day, and the essential role that the medical 1978) practiced for more than 60 years. corrupt.’’ Pramod Mahajan, the minister of profession plays in our country. Although we Dr. Edward Forrest Ellis (Aug. 18, 1863– information technology and a member of Mr. all visit doctors regularly, many times we fail to Aug. 7, 1957) first practiced in Hindsville. He Vajpayee’s Bhraratiya Janata Party (BJP), properly recognize their dedication to keeping practiced there for 10 years and in 1896 thinks the voters face a choice ‘‘not between us healthy. moved to Springdale where he practiced good and bad. It is between bad and worse.’’ I grew up in rural northwest Arkansas, until 1904 when he moved to Fayetteville. He With turpitude so common, removing one practiced there until the time of his death. group of parties from power would not solve where small-town doctors have historically Dr. William Hugh Mock (July 24, 1874–July the problem. Given a chance to fight polit- played an especially important role in health 18, 1971) practiced a life-time in Prairie ical corruption, Parliament usually ducks it. care. In fact, the community of Lincoln, Arkan- Grove. It now wants to shear the Central Vigilance sas, is home to one of only two museums in Dr. P.L. Hathcock (Dec. 31, 1878–Aug. 27, Commission, the main body implementing the United States dedicated to the country 1969) practiced in Harrison in 1901 and moved anti-corruption law, of its role overseeing in- doctor. The Arkansas Country Doctor Museum to Lincoln April 10, 1902. He moved to Fay- vestigations of politicians. educates the public about the heroism of etteville in 1921 and practiced until he was 83 The problem begins, says N. Vittal, the country doctors in Arkansas and preserves the years old. central vigilance commissioner, with the Dr. Jesse Thomas Wood (Dec. 25, 1878–Sept. 40% of the economy that is unaccounted for. history of medical practice in the Ozarks. 8, 1969) practiced in his hometown of Foun- Indian democracy runs on this murky On this day when we remember the impor- tain Hill about 10 years and in Crossett for money. The total cost of a campaign for a tance of the medical profession, I would like to about 10 years before returning to Fountain parliamentary election has been estimated salute the role that these country doctors have Hill in 1943 to resume practice until three at 20 billion rupees (around $430m), which is played in the well-being of our nation. We years before his death. often paid for by undeclared donations of the often remember these country doctors for their Additional ‘‘Lessons for the New Millen- sort proffered by tehelka.com. Reformers warm bedside manner and their home visits, nium From the Legacy of Country Doctors’’ such as Mr. Vittal want such donations to be but we cannot forget that they were involved are related in the following biographical ex- declared and made tax deductible. Some also cerpts: want the Election Commission to give the in the welfare of entire communities and often The Lincoln Clinic started by Dr. Lacy voters information about candidates’ crimi- sought higher medical education to better Bean in 1936 evolved first as a maternity nal backgrounds, as Delhi’s High Court has serve their patients. clinic and later an emergency center. Dr. directed. But that reform may also be Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join Bean practiced here 10 years. Dr. Herbert stopped: the government has appealed with me today in honoring the great tradition of Boyer, who practiced there until the early against the decision. No one in power seems country doctors throughout our country. I sub- 1970s, followed him. Through the generosity to back the promised cleaning. mit into the CONGRESSIONAL RECORD a copy of of Dr. Boyer’s son, Dr. Harold Boyer, a der- Mr. Vajpayee’s immediate concern is the Dr. Anthony DePalma’s article ‘‘Y2K: A Legacy matologist, his Las Vegas colleagues and fate of his closest advisers, widely resented others, the Arkansas Country Doctor Mu- for accumulating power in the prime min- of the Country Doctors,’’ which appeared in seum came to fruition. Thus, the museum es- ister’s office at the expense of other min- the December 1999 Journal of the Arkansas tablishes continuity with the past, which is istries. On March 19th, Mr. Mishra and N.K. Medical Society. so important to the future of medical prac- Singh, his top economic adviser, called a [From the Journal of the Arkansas Medical tice. press conference to defend themselves Society, Dec. 1999] Dr. P.L. Hathcock followed the advice of against claims that they had improperly in- his physician father, Dr. Alfred Monroe Y2K: A LEGACY OF THE COUNTRY DOCTORS fluenced decisions on deals in telecoms, Hathcock, to settle in a small town and power and, in Mr. Mishra’s case, defence (By Anthony T. DePalma, MD) ‘‘work up.’’ He practiced a short time with equipment. Pressure for their dismissal, On Friday, May 14, 1999, a memorable mil- him in Harrison (U.S. Census 1900 population from some of Mr. Vajpayee’s best friends, is lennium medical moment celebrating the 1,517) after graduating from Vanderbilt Uni- mounting. A fiercely right-wing ally of the Y2K legacy of the country doctors occurred versity Medical School in 1901. As previously BJP, the Shiv Sena, is calling for their in Lincoln. Physician Emeritus of Wash- noted, he opened an office to practice in Lin- heads. And although the Rashtriya ington Regional Medical Center of Fayette- coln (U.S. Census Star township [sic] popu- Swayamsevak Sangh (Association of Na- ville met at the Arkansas Country Doctor lation 728). tional Volunteers), ideological big brother to Museum. The museum, founded in 1994 by Dr. Long before continuing medical education the BJP, has withdrawn its calls for their re- Harold Boyer, of Las Vegas, is one of two became mandatory, the country doctor at- moval, it has done so only for fear of country doctor museums in the United tended postgraduate sessions at metropoli- destablishing the government. States. Dr. Boyer honored his dad, Dr. Her- tan medical meccas. They knew the value of The departure of Mr. Mishra and Mr. Singh bert Boyer, who was a country doctor in Lin- education for themselves, family and com- would probably blunt the government’s drive coln. munity. Apropos of medical education for for economic reform. Even if they stay, Mr. The museum’s mission is eloquently stat- men and women, ‘‘Women finally were ac- Vajpayee will have trouble enacting the ed: ‘‘The Arkansas Country Doctor Museum cepted as full fledged medical practitioners most controversial but valuable elements of is committed to honoring, preserving and in the nineteenth and twentieth centuries, the reforms announced along with the budg- educating the public about the history and but not without a struggle.’’ et last month. These include privatisation heroism of the country doctor in Arkansas, Dr. Ellis faced this discriminatory medical and making labour law more flexible. The the unique history and culture of the Ozark dilemma when a daughter declared an inter- labour reform requires the approval of Par- area and the history of medical theory and est in becoming a doctor.

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