Children killing children, debased school systems, destroyed inner cities, callous disregard for life, rampant hardcore drug abuse and associated crime are among the headlines. This decay is the result of confusion over the role our fundamental institutions play in society. For about 40 years, we've been off on an experiment. As Americans, we decided to let government do it all. Unfortunately, we forgot that society is not government.
Government is just one of the four fundamental institutions that support society.
We forgot that to solve problems, it is personal responsibility, not programs, that matters. It is time that we begin to strengthen shattered families, strengthen religious and civic organizations, and strengthen enterprise, especially the small business engine of our economy. That is what I will be doing in this year's second session of the 105th Congress. I'll continue to introduce and cosponsor legislation that will help provide a climate that encourages the growth of families, religious and civic organizations, and business enterprise. However, personal responsibility is something that I cannot legislate.