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“THE OLYMPIC CHALLENGE FOR AMERICA: TO DRAW TOGETHER AGAINST HATRED” mentioning the U.S. Dept. of Justice was published in the House of Representatives section on pages H8800-H8801 on July 30, 1996.
The publication is reproduced in full below:
THE OLYMPIC CHALLENGE FOR AMERICA: TO DRAW TOGETHER AGAINST HATRED
The SPEAKER pro tempore. Under a previous order of the House, the gentlewoman from Texas [Ms. Jackson-Lee] is recognized for 5 minutes.
Ms. JACKSON-LEE of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I think that it is time, as we near the end of the 100-year anniversary of the modern Olympic games, that we rise to the floor of the House to provide perspective. This weekend should have brought Americans together. Many in different cities around the Nation may have initially thought of the Olympic games as Atlanta's games. But I think as we have watched the indomitable spirit of all of those who have participated, we must first acknowledge that these are world games, and that this is an honor bestowed upon America, our Nation, to be able to host this year's event.
The first recorded Olympics were held every 4 years at the ancient sanctuary in Greece from 1776 B.C. until they were abolished in 394 A.D. They were revived in the late 19th century by French baron Pierre de Coubertin with the first modern games held in Athens in 1896. This year, of course, marks the 100th anniversary.
As we have watched the games proceed, and the challenge to America and to the athletes, it stands in sharp contrast to the tragedy of this past weekend. It saddened me that the games were marred by one tragic incident of a sick and criminal act. It sickens me and saddens me that we lost a very lovely lady who had a 14-year-old daughter who loved her, and a family. Now she is gone from them and from the contributions that she has made and would have made; and then to have lost the life of a Turkish photographer because of this tragedy, and the 111 who were victims of this tragedy.
But most of all, I think we should be challenged by this Olympic challenge, if you will, to recognize that we as Americans must draw together against hatred, hateful talk, and those who would claim that they stand for what America believes in, but yet want to undermine and bring down the government of this country.
Over the last 2 years we have heard too much about what this government has not done. We have heard too much about those who want to carry guns on street corners, who want to hole up in places like Montana or bomb buildings in places like Oklahoma. I think the Olympic challenge for America is to develop the Olympic spirit. That spirit is one of a Carl Lewis, a native Houstonian from the community which I represent; someone who said, as he reflected that many said to him, having won several medals, eight, to be exact, before this last one, ``Go out in a flare. Do not do this to yourself.'' Carl Lewis, a great humanitarian, a friend to young people, had first of all determination.
Second of all, he was a good sports person. He knew and understood what sportsmanship was all about. He had pride in himself and in his Nation. He believed, as well, in the fact that if he just simply went one more step he might be successful; 27 feet 10 inches and three-
quarters. And he had a can-do attitude.
That is the Olympic challenge for America, to rise to the occasion of the U.S. women's gymnast team, something accomplished that none of us would have ever expected; or to have the strength of personality to accept the pain of a Kerri Strug from Houston, TX; or Michael Johnson, from Baylor University in Texas, who will cast his lot to historically do the 200 meters and then 500 meters; and yes, the U.S. women's basketball team, that recognizes that it is valuable to have men and women understand what sportsmanship is all about; and the gold that was won by Shannon Miller.
We as Americans have so much to be proud of; not to point the finger at Atlanta, a city that has done a very able and wonderful job, a job where it has opened its doors to all citizens around the world, representing over 197 countries. It was not that it had a tragic and terrible act, it was a tragic act of a human being gone wrong. We should embrace our sister city and congratulate them, for on behalf of Americans, they have done us proud.
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But more importantly from the Olympic challenge, we should be able to both admire and to accept the challenge given to us by these young athletes from whatever country they have come, that they have shown determination, that they have rejected hatred, that they have embraced each other as brothers and sisters, that they have a can-do attitude, that they worked as a team and, yes, most of all that they have shown the kind of affinity for the law of rules and order that they would respect human life and human dignity. Sadly, someone in this country possibly did not.
And so it behooves this Congress to respond by leadership and recognizing that we disrespect and that we do not hold to violent talk or violent acts and that we join together as a Nation, not dividing, not castigating names but yet recognizing that we stand as one and fall divided. Be proud of Atlanta and what it has done, appreciate the Justice Department, Director Freeh and the FBI for what they have done, know that swift justice and fair justice will be brought to the perpetrator of this terrible act, but the Olympic challenge for America is for us to stand unified behind the Constitution that we all are created equal, that we have inalienable rights to pursue happiness, and that we must stand for equality and the first amendment.
Mr. Speaker, I rise to commend the wonderful work done by several of the athletes who are from my State of Texas who have brought home the gold.
The news of violence at the Olympics over this weekend could not detract from the Olympic Spirit displayed by the fans and the wonderful collection of talented athletes from around the world, nor should it have.
Each of them are heroes in their resolve not to allow terrorists or hatemongers to take away the unity of purpose that has led us to this point in world history.
The first recorded Olympics were held every 4 years at the ancient sanctuary in Greece from 776 B.C. until they were abolished in 394 B.C. They were revived in the late 19th century by French Baron Pierre de Coubertin with the first modern games held in Athens in 1896.
This year marks the 100th-year-anniversary of the modern olympic games. This is also only the fourth time in modern olympic history that the United States has been the host of the Summer Olympic Games.
The Olympic games are about challenges to the height and breadth of human physical, mental, and emotional endurance.
Today, I would like to recognize the wonderful contributions that Kerri Strug of Houston, TX, one of the members of the U.S. Gymnastics Team dubbed Mag 7 by fans of the sport, who showed real team spirit in assisting her teammates win the team gold medal.
Carl Lewis, who upon the completion of his 27 feet 10 and \3/4\ inches in the long jump, has achieved a record 9 gold medals. He is one of Houston's best known athletic personalities, but he is also a great humanitarian and community supporter of youth athletics.
I will not leave out those who are not from Houston, TX. Michael Johnson of Dallas, TX has also made us all proud as Texans with his gold medal performance in the 400-meter race. I would like to join many well-wishers in extending my hope for a second gold in the 200-meter race to be held later in the games.
I wish all of these fine athletes and their families my warmest congratulations and wish them a speedy and safe return home to Texas.
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