Benjamin Gilman: “I am pleased to rise in support of House Joint Resolution 357, legislation designating the week beginning February 12…”

“I am pleased to rise in support of House Joint Resolution 357, legislation designating the week beginning February 12, 1995, as ``National Random Acts of Kindness Week.'' I praise the gentleman from California [Mr. Tucker] for introducing this resolution. As Americans, we have become accustomed to horrifying crime statistics--every day 14 Americans age 19 and under are killed in gun-related suicides and homicides, about 1.2 million elementary-age children have access to guns, and as many as 135,000 children bring guns to school daily. The rising incidence of violent crime in our cities and towns is a statistic that we, as Americans, can no longer ignore. While our criminal justice system must ensure that those who break the law are appropriately punished, we, as fellow Americans, need to get back to the basics and remember the inherent beauty that lies in all of us. I believe that this may be done by practicing random acts of kindness. It is for this reason that I am proud to support this resolution. By designating February 12, 1995, as a day in which we practice acts of consideration and generosity, I believe that we can gain additional strength and compassion, which, I am hopeful, will lead to peaceful harmony and coexistence.”