[Congressional Record Volume 140, Number 30 (Thursday, March 17, 1994)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]


[Congressional Record: March 17, 1994]
From the Congressional Record Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]

 
              CYNTHIA LYNN: VOICE OF DEMOCRACY CONTESTANT

                                 ______


                       HON. THOMAS J. BARLOW III

                              of kentucky

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, March 17, 1994

  Mr. BARLOW. Mr. Speaker, I have the honor today of congratulating a 
young woman from Kentucky's First District, Ms. Cynthia Lynn Hutcheson, 
who placed 29th in the Veterans of Foreign War's Voice of Democracy 
contest. This annual contest is cosponsored by the VFW's ladies 
auxiliary, and it honors young men and women who express their faith, 
belief, and commitment to our nation's principles of democracy.
  Cynthia Hutcheson is a resident of Princeton, KY, where she is a 
senior at Caldwell County High School. She is a young woman of 
exceptional talents, and I am certain that her future holds many more 
successes.
  I would like to take this opportunity to share Ms. Hutcheson's essay 
with my colleagues by having it inserted in the Record.

                        My Commitment to America

       I feel that every citizen has a tremendous responsibility 
     to America. However, my generation's commitment should be far 
     greater than any other generation's commitment, because we 
     are America's future.
       I think one of my biggest commitments in this country is to 
     have an opinion. This seems very unimportant to some, but 
     really it is the backbone of our country. If I did not have 
     an opinion how would I vote for the people that I wanted to 
     elect for public office? How would I vote on issues that are 
     going to affect me? Everyone must have an opinion in order 
     for America to grow. My opinion does not have to be the same 
     as anyone else's. I certainly do not always agree with 
     others' opinions all the time, but I'm glad that they voice 
     their opinions.
       Having an opinion leads to the right and responsibility to 
     vote. Every citizen that can legally vote should be at the 
     polls every time they are open. The President, Congress, 
     governors, State legislators and local officials cannot 
     represent the majority if the majority does not show up to 
     vote. In order to have a democracy, which is rule by the 
     people, the people have to exercise their right to vote.
       Another commitment I have to America is to uphold family 
     values. Many of the things that are wrong with our country 
     stem from the decline of the family. My parents have taught 
     me morals and that family always comes first. I think that if 
     parents teach their children to follow the Golden Rule, have 
     one partner for life and give their children the attention 
     that they need the children will have a good, quality 
     childhood and will be able to take on the world when they are 
     older. It is hard for children who have had a troubled 
     childhood to concentrate on the things they can do for 
     America because they are too busy concentrating on their 
     past.
       I also need to do my best to uphold the laws in this 
     country, and to make sure that others do their best to uphold 
     the law. There is too much crime in America. The American 
     citizens are spending millions of dollars every year towards 
     the benefit of convicted criminals. This is wrong. If my 
     generation helps to curve the crime rate, the money will be 
     spent on things that will benefit all citizens, not just the 
     criminals. There are some laws that people do not always 
     agree with. However, this does not give anyone the right to 
     break those laws. In America we have the right and 
     responsibility to change the laws and voice our opinions 
     about bad laws.
       My final commitment is to pray for America. America was 
     founded as ``one nation under God.'' However, America has 
     gotten about as far away from God as possible. The crime rate 
     is up, the divorce rate is up and morals have just about gone 
     down the drain. Eventually, America will be punished for her 
     actions. If people do not get on their knees and ask for 
     forgiveness, the American people might suffer greatly. Some 
     do not believe that America is really that far away from God. 
     Even if that is so, the situation in this country could 
     always get better.
       America is the greatest country in the world, and it is 
     indeed a blessing to live here. I feel very strongly about my 
     commitment to America. I can only hope that my peers feel 
     that way also. I do not think that people realize what a 
     great nation we actually do have. They do not realize that we 
     could be ruled by a dictator and have no rights whatsoever. I 
     am very thankful for the opportunities I have, because I am 
     an American citizen. However, I know that the only way those 
     opportunities will be there for my children is if I do my 
     best to help this nation grow and prosper.

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