Issue Position: National Service

Issue Position

Issue Position: National Service

Patriotism wears no political label. In service to others, there are no Republicans and there are no Democrats - there are only Americans.

America is based on simple principles: everyone should have the same opportunity to get ahead, and everyone has a responsibility to give something back. Since September 11, Americans have been searching for ways to contribute to our country.

I believe that even as we fight to build an America stronger at home and safer in the world, we should all take heed of what Robert Kennedy once said: "Each time a man stands up for an ideal, or acts to improve the lot of others, or strikes out against injustice, he sends forth a tiny ripple of hope, and crossing each other from a million different centers of energy and daring, those ripples build a current that can sweep down the mightiest walls of oppression and resistance."

I support existing programs that offer avenues for senior volunteer service and they will support innovative new models that create even more opportunities for seniors to serve their communities. When seniors spend time tutoring they free up over-strained teachers to teach, and children get extra help learning. And older Americans can help other seniors in ways no other Americans can.

I believe in tapping into the idealism and ingenuity of our national spirit and call on all Americans to work together to build a stronger America.

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