SPOTLIGHT ON WOMEN
Where would we be without the brave, brilliant and tireless women in our nation’s history, in our community’s present and in our world’s future? This month we honor women as we kick off National Women’s History Month. It is an opportunity to reflect on the many contributions women have made and to recognize the struggles, challenges and changes they have overcome. In 1857, women from New York City factories organized and staged a protest over working conditions. From Betsy Ross, Harriet Beecher Stowe and Abigail Adams to Shirley Chisholm, Sandra Day O’Connor and Nancy Pelosi – women continue to pioneer in every aspect of our country. The 2010 Census reports 157 million females in the United States. 85.4 million are mothers. 205,500 women are in the military on active duty. This year’s theme is ‘Women’s Education – Women’s Empowerment’. I think this is very appropriate as the struggle for equality in education and other areas has been long and arduous. In some cases we are still fighting the battle. This month gives us a chance to appreciate the courage and contribution of women on a large scale – but it is also very personal. Three women will always have my respect, love and undying gratitude. My mother, my wife and my daughter. Yes, where would we be without the strength, intelligence and soul of women. This month as we look back and acknowledge the accomplishments, my hope is we will also look forward to the many battles to come – and pledge to fight until women truly attain equality in every area of life.
FIGHT FOR LIBERTY MEMORIAL CONTINUES
The last known World War I veteran has died. At 110 years old, Florence Green passed away in early February. News of her death reminded me, once again, that WWI was not just an American fight, but a global collaboration. She served in the Royal Air Force (RAF). At the young age of 17 years old, she joined the RAF in England and served during the last few months of the war. It is the loss of veterans, like Florence Green, that reminds us of the urgency to honor and remember their service in a way that respects their sacrifice. As you may know, the 100th anniversary of World War I is quickly approaching. It has been one of my missions in Congress to ensure the veterans of the ‘Great War’ are not forgotten. Last Congress I introduced a bill to designate Liberty Memorial as the National World War I Memorial. The bill also would have created a centennial commission for World War I. While it passed the House, it unfortunately did not make it out of the Senate. I have taken up the fight again this Congress. Liberty Memorial is the right place and now is the right time. Florence Green, and all WWI veterans and their families, should know they will be remembered forever – right here in Kansas City.
GREEN IMPACT ZONE UPDATE
(Here they go again!)
There is never any rest, it seems, when it comes to the bustle of business within The Green Impact Zone. As news of Brad Pitt’s involvement in the Zone continues to swirl – the work that is underway throughout the zone each day quietly continues. The big announcements, of course, bring focused attention. Another example is the Urban Neighborhood Initiative’s announcement this week that includes parts of all five GIZ neighborhoods in the Big 5. But it’s important to point out that every step forward in this area that has seen decades of decay, disinvestment and disrepair -- is meaningful and hard fought. GIZ staff members and their community partners spend hundreds and hundreds of hours each week on issues as large as multi-million dollar redevelopment plans to sitting down with a resident to coordinate services for financial counseling. While curbs, sidewalks and driveways are being poured, paved and improved throughout the 150 square block area, the less visible improvements are building an infrastructure for success as well. Organizing neighborhood cleanups, lending expertise to businesses on grants and loans, helping families navigate this economy so they don’t lose their homes … all just in a day’s work in the GREEN IMPACT ZONE. Make no mistake. Meaningful change takes time. But, I believe creating an environment that will be thriving, prosperous and safe long after we are gone, is an effort worth fighting for.
HOMEBUYER INFORMATION FAIR
Buying a home is always a big decision. I wanted to let you know about an event this Saturday at the Green Impact Zone Office where you can meet lenders, real estate agents and get advice on responsible steps as you move forward. There is also an upcoming Urban Homes Tour. For more information contact the GIZ office at 816-936-8803.
LEAVE IT TO THE YOUNGSTERS
I think many of us are asking ourselves these days, “How in the world do we get Congress to work together?” Unfortunately, the lack of civility still seems to rule the day sometimes, but it doesn’t have to be that way. And who better to show the way than young people? To that end, I wanted to alert parents, grandparents, teachers and all to a wonderful opportunity. The U.S. Capitol Historical Society is announcing the first annual Student Essay Contest on the topic of “Making Democracy Work.” The contest is divided into two age groups: 6th-8th graders and 9th-12th graders. The contest revolves around a written essay examining the role of informed citizens in making the American system of representative self-government work. For more information on rules, deadlines, length, etc. please visit: www.uschs.org. This is, of course, something all students will want to do purely for the educational value but just as an aside … there are cash prizes!
INTERNSHIPS
I am looking for summer interns. If you are interested – or know someone who is – please send a cover letter, resume and a sample of writing to holly.jenkins@mail.house.gov.
CIVILITY CORNER
In 1992, Fox Entertainment released a movie entitled, The Park is Mine, based on the 1981 novel of the same name by Stephen Petersby. While the movie was not a monumentally successful commercial film, Tommy Lee Jones made it worth watching.
The star, a disenchanted and frustrated Vietnam vet named Mitch and played by Jones, violently takes control of Central Park in downtown New York. His lofty and noble goal was to call attention to the seldom appreciated U.S. soldiers who fought in the jungles of Vietnam. For years after watching the movie, I have wondered whether during the occupation of Central Park, New York dog owners had to take their pets to New Jersey to find grass for doggie business. But, of course, that's not the point.
Mitch, a skillful and creative soldier repeatedly lures bumbling and incompetent police into his traps. There is much chaos and destruction, but in his head and heart, he is doing the right thing. I think most Americans agree Vietnam Vets, even today, have not received the respect soldiers should get after returning home from war.
In Congress, many of us have declared "this park is mine" in terms of righting perceived wrongs. The problem is that, like Mitch, we are creating chaos and destruction. There is not a single Member of Congress whom I have met who does not have honorable intentions. We all want to make the U.S. a better place. Let us not blow up the park trying to achieve it.
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 Emanuel Cleaver, II
Member of Congress
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