How thankful we should be that we are not imprisoned for our religious statements. and that we are able to travel freely within and without the United States. and have our family members join us if they choose. President Fords prayer "for the wisdom to continue the American pilgrimage. striving toward a nobler existence for all humanity" is called to mind when I think of legislation we will be considering in this Chamber next week to grant mostfavorednation status to Communist Romania. I have been a clear advocate of the freedom of emigration for those who would choose to flee communism. so that they may exercise their religious beliefs without fear of brutal mental or physical torture. To me it just would not be right to vote for House Concurrent Resolution 252 when Romanian Christians are currently being persecuted by imprisonment and restriction of travel. Such emigration restrictions and imprisonment do not allow them that "nobler existence for all humanity" of which our President spoke. I share President Fords prayer of "thanks to God for the many blessings granted to America throughout these two centuries." Now it is my further prayer that those who wish to have these same blessings. including religious freedom. will be allowed to do so in peace without persecution. I would hope that the day will soon come when our Christian brethren in Romania can openly join in repeating the words of the psalmist in Psalm 121:1.2: I will lift up my eyes to the mountains.
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emigration