House Journal: Page 62: Tuesday, January 9, 2001
substance abuse, mental illness, and violence and support strategies that work to
break the cycle-like insurance parity and treatment?
Leadership in a new economy will mean little if our hearts are hardened to the cries
of the most vulnerable. We will honor and bring meaning to all those who have lost
their lives to senseless violence by fully and comprehensively dealing with abuse in this
state. Today, let us pledge not with our words, but our actions to do what is required to
protect the most vulnerable among us. Let us not be satisfied with half measures. Let
us commit the full measure of devotion to the task of stopping abuse-of stopping abuse
in Iowa, now.
I began this morning by talking about our state’s history. It was built by hard work
and with a strong sense of community. And, it was built by people who came here from
all over the world. From the beginning, immigrants have come to our state and helped
it to prosper. As they became new Iowans, and added to our economic wealth, their
diversity also brought strength and cultural richness to our state.
Historian Stephen Ambrose has said that the story of Lewis and Clark is America’s
story. It is the story of a diverse group of people, working for a common goal, who came
together. They could not have succeeded in or survived their journey of exploration had
they not done so. They proved that there is nothing that men and women cannot do if
they act as a team dedicated to a common purpose.
The challenges that lie ahead of us are large and many. The opportunities that lie
ahead are greater and more numerous. And, if we can come together, work together,
toward a common purpose, we will create an Iowa high tech enough to lead a new
economy and high touch enough to protect its most vulnerable.
The Iowa of today, like the America of 200 years ago, is a land of unlimited
potential. Two centuries ago, our nation turned to two men to chart the course to new
opportunities. Iowa today will turn to literally thousands of well-educated, productive
citizens to chart new territory. With our collective work here, now we will decide if
children’s dreams will come true in Iowa, if a small business owner in the smallest of
our communities can have access to the world here in Iowa, if the bio-revolution will
find a home in Iowa, or if our compassion is strong enough to break a cycle of violence
and abuse or stop prejudice.
In 1805, a couple of years into their journey, Meriwether Lewis wrote in his journal,
"The party are in excellent health and spirits, zealously attached to the enterprise, and
anxious to proceed, not a whisper of murmur or discontent to be heard among them,
but all act in unison, and with the most perfect harmony."
As we embark on our journey, let it be said of us as well.
Thank you and God bless you and our great state.
Governor Vilsack was escorted from the House chamber by the
committee previously appointed.
On motion by Jacobs of Polk, the joint convention was dissolved at
10:43 a.m.
© 2001 Cornell College and
League of Women Voters of Iowa
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