[Congressional Record Volume 142, Number 129 (Wednesday, September 18, 1996)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E1631-E1632]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




  CONGRATULATIONS TO MICHAEL SIMPSON, WINNER OF THE OKLAHOMA VOICE OF 
                  DEMOCRACY ESSAY SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. STEVE LARGENT

                              of oklahoma

                    in the house of representatives

                     Wednesday, September 18, 1996

  Mr. LARGENT. Mr. Speaker, each year the Veterans of Foreign Wars of 
the United States and its Ladies Auxiliary conduct the Voice of 
Democracy broadcast script writing contest. The contest theme this year 
was ``Answering America's Call.'' I am proud to report that Michael 
Simpson was named the Oklahoma State winner and he is from my district 
in Tulsa, OK.
  Michael Simpson, a senior at Nathan Hale High School, is the son of 
Mr. and Mrs. Michael Simpson. He plans a career in engineering. Mike 
was sponsored by VFW Post 577 in Tulsa, OK.
  It is with great pride that I submit for publication in the 
Congressional Record, the winning essay written by Mr. Michael Simpson 
of Tulsa, OK.

                        Answering America's Call

                          (By Michael Simpson)

       I know some people feel my generation isn't up to the 
     challenge that will soon be bestowed upon us. I believe we 
     are.
       While developing my thoughts on this theme I tried to 
     determine what my audience would like to hear. After much 
     consideration and soul searching, I decided that I must speak 
     from my heart . . . especially after a story my granddad told 
     me.
       Recently, while visiting with a young man, my granddad 
     mentioned something about the Korean War. The young man, with 
     a puzzled look on his face said, ``The Korean War? Wasn't 
     that a television show?'' My granddad kind of chuckled, and 
     then, with a sad look on his face said to me, ``30,000 
     fatalities and this kid thought it was a television 
     program.''
       I realized then what an awesome responsibility my 
     generation faces; the stewardship of this great nation and 
     the legacy entrusted to us.
       Our values should define what we want to achieve in our 
     lives and we are effective only when our actions are in line 
     with those values. To that end, I have devised three personal 
     goals that I invite my generation to adopt.
       These include:
       First, and foremost, taking responsibility; second, getting 
     an education; and third, being a hero. Allow me to elaborate 
     a little on each of these goals.
       My first goal is taking responsibility. Each of us need to 
     be responsible for our own actions . . . we need to vote, 
     serve jury duty and provide for the children we bring into 
     this world.
       Everyone has an excuse these days. In general, society 
     seems to be a broken record; I grew up poor, I came from a 
     broken family, I'm the wrong gender. It's never-ending. Need 
     I go on?
       Now don't misunderstand, these are serious elements to 
     overcome, but we cannot allow them to hinder our success. 
     Stop making excuses . . . and start making choices. Stop 
     pointing fingers . . . and start making a difference. As 
     Eleanor Roosevelt said, ``The choices we make are ultimately 
     our responsibility.''
       My second goal is getting an education. Education is 
     something that can never be taken from you. It is an asset 
     that cannot be stolen. Years ago, it was possible for a 
     person with a ninth-grade education to start in the company 
     mail room, work hard, and eventually become president. Those 
     days are gone. Hard work just isn't enough anymore.
       Today's technology demands a higher level of education in 
     order to survive and thrive. Not only does it prepare you for 
     the work force, it also provides the tools needed to be a 
     good citizen. Knowledge of current events, politics and 
     economics are necessities in our ever-expanding global 
     environment.

[[Page E1632]]

       My third goal is being a hero. A hero doesn't always have 
     to be the Audy Murphys, the Winston Churchills, or the 
     fireman on the 6 o'clock news. You don't have to save a life 
     or lead a country . . . you merely have to make a difference.
       Small kindnesses can make lasting impressions. Delivering 
     food baskets, returning a lost wallet, or coaching Little 
     League Baseball--none of these acts go unnoticed and the 
     rewards are priceless. The purpose is not recognition but to 
     feel good about yourself and to inspire others. There are too 
     few heroes these days--we should all strive to become one.
       These three goals are my answer, my pledge, to America's 
     Call--and it's a pledge that I've signed in my heart.
       In closing, I would like to assure you, and my grandad, 
     that I do know about the Korean War. I know that it was not a 
     television program, and, for the record, there were actually 
     33,651 fatalities.

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