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This press release is from the collections at the Robert J. Dole Archive and Special Collections, University of Kansas. Please contact us with any questions or comments: http://dolearchive.ku.edu/ask

(image: portrait of Senator Bob Dole, middle aged)
NEWS from U.S. Senator Bob Dole
(R.-Kans.) New Senate Office Building, Washington, D.C. 20510 (202)224-6521
FOR RELEASE: FRIDAY P.M. CONTACT: JANET ANDERSON
APRIL 21, 1976

PROBLEMS SHOULD BE PLACED IN PERSPECTIVE, DOLE TELLS GRADUATES

MINNEAPOLIS -- "While virtually every American institution is under attack during the often bitter debate of this election year, we would do well to look at the country's problems within the perspective of 200 years of problem-solving," Senator Bob Dole told the Minneapolis High School graduating class Friday night.
In a speech prepared for delivery during the Commencement exercises Dole pointed out that the United States is the "first country of the world, militarily, diplomatically and economically, and we have done it in just 200 years.
"First and foremost there is peace. The United States is not engaged in hostilities anywhere in the world.
"We are better nourished, healthier and better educated than at any previous time in our history. Tonight's graduates have greatly expanded opportunities for educational, economic and social advancement. Their rights as fully participating members of our business, legal and political systems are more effectively protected and strengthened than at any earlier time -- and the process is continuing to gain momentum and force in every aspect of our national life.
"We have achieved these things in spite of seemingly insurmountable obstacles, and often through adversity -- the original struggle to achieve nationhood, opening the frontier, the Civil War, the great depression, two world wars, double-digit inflation and Watergate. We have survived them all and prospered.
"We can solve our current problems and prosper. We have the natural resources, the human resources and the technology. Now all we need is the will and that is something an awareness of the American experience can help give to us -- regeneration of the Spirit of '76.
"And that is what the Bicentennial celebration is all about -- a rebirth as well as a birthday -- a rediscovery of our spirit, as well as a rediscovery of our strength and potential as a free people working together."

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