[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E406-E407]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]

HONORING JOSHUA TRENT, VFW AWARD WINNER

______

speech of

HON. BART GORDON

of tennessee

in the house of representatives

Wednesday, March 5, 1997

Mr. GORDON. Mr. Speaker, each year the Veterans of Foreign Wars of
the United States and its ladies auxiliary conduct the Voice of
Democracy broadcast scriptwriting contest. This year more than 109,000
secondary school children participated in the contest competing for the
54 national scholarships which were distributed among the 54 national
winners. The contest theme this year was ``Democracy--Above and
Beyond.''
I am proud to announce that Mr. Joshua Trent from my 6th
Congressional District in Tennessee won the 1997 Voice of Democracy
broadcast scriptwriting contest for the State of Tennessee. Like
myself, Joshua is a resident of Murfreesboro, TN.
Joshua's script exudes the spirit of enthusiasm that beckons us to
feel as he does about our great Republic. That Joshua has attained such
a zeal and been blessed with the talent to convey his feelings, speaks
well for his future as a leader in America.
For the benefit of all, I would like to share Joshua's award winning
script with you at this time.

1996-97 VFW Voice of Democracy Scholarship Program--Tennessee Winner
Joshua Trent

Democracy: Above and beyond!
Man, what kind uv va assignment is this? Teacher say to
write a paper on ``Democracy: Above and Beyond''. What in the
world does zat mean?
Come: I will show you. Huh?! Who said that? Me. Who are
you? What are you doing here?
I am the spirit of democracy, I am answering your question.
I will show you what ``democracy--above and beyond'' means.
Look pal, I don's know who you are, but you'd better just
go back to wherever you * * * wwhere am I? WWWhas goin' on?
Wwhat did you do?
Look, tell me--who are those men?
It looks like two pictures of--oh my! That looks like
Thomas Jefferson and Ben Franklin--and they're real! Hey!
Fellas! Can you see me?
Quiet! No, they cannot see you, only you can see them.
Listen to what they are saying.
Franklin: ``Congratulations Thomas! You drafted an
excellent piece of work! I especially like the part of um * *
* `We hold these truths, * * * Would you mind reading that
part again?''
Jefferson: ``Certainly. I am honored that you think it is
good Mr. Franklin. Ahem! `We hold these truths to be self-
evident, that all men are created equal, that they are
endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable rights,
that among these are life, liberty, and the pursuit of
happiness.''
Franklin: ``Jefferson, you've got a point. That is what
it's all about. All men created equal--all men having a say
in government--all men having equal chances in business.
Democracy, as you know, means ``rule by the people''. That's
the idea. Common sense people running the government, not
King George or anyone else.
Come, we must go now, we have more stops to make before our
journey is over.
Hey, that's pretty neat! That was Ben and Tom just chattin
away, and dude, they were * * *
You are missing the point. What did you learn?
Learn? Uh, well * * * Democracy means that people are
level--equal--and that they rule, not some far off king.
Good. Do you see where we are now?
Why we've changed again! How do you that? Man, if I could
do that . . .
Look where we are.
I see where we are, but I don't know where this is. We're
in some sort of a balcony, and there are a bunch of guys in
suits down there, and there is a big American flag over
there. Where are we?
We are in the balcony of the House of Representatives--in
Washington, DC, you are going to learn your next lesson on
democracy. Listen, your Congressman is getting ready to
speak.
Cngrsmn: My fellow congressmen, the Democratic style of
government which we have, has provided us with over 200 years
of political, social, and economic success. True, we have had
our differences, disagreements and difficulties, but this
system of: government by the people, free enterprise, and the
idea that ``all men are created equal'' has propelled us to
become a world super power, and has given us the title of the
``greatest nation on earth.'' But democracy is more than
American success, it is a form of government where people
have freedom. It is not bound by racial or national lines, so
I urge you to vote for this bill.
We must leave now. Catching on?
Hey, I just realized something. Democracy isn't limited to
us! Yeah, other countries are democracies, too. Democracy has
helped us succeed, and I guess that was why he wanted them to
vote for that bill--so other people could succeed under
democracy too!

[[Page E407]]

Here we are back at your house. Tell me what ``democracy:
above and beyond'' means.
Wait a minute! We've seen Democracy in the past and in the
present, so what about the future of democracy?!!!
You determine tomorrow--the future of democracy. You are
tomorrow's leaders, voters, and elected officials. Now, tell
me, what did you learn?
Okay. I learned that Democracy literally means ``rule by
the people'', and because of that fact, each vote counts,
each man (or woman) matters, and every voice can be heard.
Because the basic foundation to democracy is that ``all men
are created equal . . . '', democracy is above national lines
and beyond racial boundaries. ``Democracy: Above and Beyond''
means that democracy is above and beyond other forms of
government. Democracy doesn't mean we don't have problems,
but we can meet those problems head-on. Democracy in America
started with our founding fathers and has given us national
success. But, we are responsible for its success tomorrow. I
guess that's it.
Good job. You did listen. I must go now.
But where will you be if I need you again?
As the spirit of democracy, I am alive in each American and
every person in the world who yearns for government by the
people. You'll be okay, just keep ``democracy--above and
beyond!''

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