House Resolution 102

A RESOLUTION COMMENDING FORMER PRESIDENT JIMMY CARTER IN HIS EFFORTS TO ERADICATE THE GUINEA WORM DISEASE FROM AFRICA.

WHEREAS, for generations in Africa, yard long, spaghetti-thin Guinea worms erupted from the legs, feet or eye sockets of victims; and

WHEREAS, the infestation of the Guinea worm is a plague so ancient that it is found in Egyptian mummies; and

WHEREAS, because the plague is so ancient, many historians believe that the Guinea worm is the "fiery serpent" described in the Old Testament as torturing the Israelites in the desert; and

WHEREAS, the worm forces its way out of the human body by exuding acid under the skin until it bubbles and bursts causing its victims to liken their pain to "fire"; and

WHEREAS, thanks to a relentless 20-year campaign led by former President Jimmy Carter, the Guinea worm is soon to be eradicated from the continent; and

WHEREAS, former President Carter persuaded world leaders, philanthropists and companies to care about the obscure and revolting Guinea worm disease; and

WHEREAS, not only did he convince others to care about the disease, but he enlisted the assistance of world leaders and thousands of volunteers; and

WHEREAS, his dedication enabled his foundation to mobilize volunteers in tens of thousands of villages to treat the drinking water in which the worms live; and

WHEREAS, it is the policy of the House of Representatives to commend outstanding leaders such as former President Carter who are striving to heal impoverished areas of the world:

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI, That we do hereby commend former President Jimmy Carter in his efforts to eradicate the Guinea worm disease from Africa.

BE IF FURTHER RESOLVED, That copies of this resolution be furnished to former President Jimmy Carter and to the members of the Capitol Press Corps.