Tom Udall: “it is good to see the Presiding Officer in the chair today and to know that Alaska is well represented having the…”

“it is good to see the Presiding Officer in the chair today and to know that Alaska is well represented having the Senator from Alaska in the chair and presiding over the Senate. I very much appreciate that. I come to the floor to commend one of New Mexico's most celebrated authors, Rudolfo Anaya. This year marks the 40th anniversary of Professor Anaya's acclaimed novel ``Bless Me, Ultima.'' This beloved book is an iconic part of Chicano literary history. It has been read by thousands of high school and college students, as well as the general public. It tells the story of a young boy growing up in a small New Mexico town during World War II. ``Bless Me, Ultima'' is a classic portrait of Chicano culture in a particular time and place, but it also resonates with universal themes: the search for identity, the conflict between good and evil. Literature expands our horizons. It increases our understanding. As President Kennedy said, ``Art establishes the basic human truths which must serve as the touchstone of our judgment.'' For 40 years, Rudolfo Anaya's work has explored the human condition. The University of New Mexico organized a reading marathon to commemorate the publication of ``Bless Me, Ultima,'' and I was pleased to take part. Rudolfo Anaya was born in 1937 in the small New Mexico village of Pastura. He grew up in Santa Rosa and in Albuquerque. When he was only 16, he suffered a terrible accident. His injuries required years of rehabilitation.…”