[Congressional Record Volume 143, Number 30 (Tuesday, March 11, 1997)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E435-E436]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                         HONORING SUSAN RICHTER

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. ED WHITFIELD

                              of kentucky

                    in the house of representatives

                        Tuesday, March 11, 1997

  Mr. WHITFIELD. Mr. Speaker, every day it seems as if we pick up a 
newspaper or turn on the evening news and hear about the troubles of 
our young people. Critics argue they are disengaged with school, 
disinterested in their communities, and disinclined to become 
productive citizens of our country.
  Not everyone agrees with this dismal view of our Nation's youth. Each 
year the Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States and its Ladies 
Auxiliary sponsor the Voice of Democracy audio-essay scholarship 
program. This

[[Page E436]]

program was started in 1947 by the National Association of 
Broadcasters, the Electronic Industries Association, and the State 
Association of Broadcasters. Since 1961-62, the Veterans of Foreign 
Wars has been the sole sponsor of the program with over 5,200 VFW posts 
and 4,200 auxiliaries participating. The program requires high school 
entrants to write and record a 3 to 5 minute essay on an announced 
patriotic theme. This year, more than 109,000 secondary school students 
participated in the contest competing for 54 national scholarships. The 
contest theme was ``Democracy--Above and Beyond.''
  I rise today to honor Susan Richter, a senior at Calloway County High 
School in Murray, KY, who won the 1997 Voice of Democracy broadcast 
script writing contest in Kentucky. Susan is the youngest child of Fred 
and Margaret Richter of Murray, KY. She hopes to attend Transylvania 
University in Lexington, KY, where she plans to pursue a degree in 
radio/TV broadcasting.
  In addition to participating in essay contests, Susan keeps busy at 
Calloway County High School with a full plate of activities. She is the 
news anchor of the morning show on WCSD-TV 28, a school-run local cable 
channel, and an officer in the Student Council, the Co-ed Y Club, the 
Beta Club, and the Foreign Language Club. Outside of school, she enjoys 
playing the piano, reading, and working on her computer.
  Please allow me to share with you Susan's award-winning essay, which 
appears below.

                    ``Democracy--Above and Beyond''

       Democracy is a general term used to describe both a form of 
     government and an ideal. Throughout the years, our country 
     has thrived on the idea of creating a more perfect union 
     through the means of a plan known as democracy. I believe 
     democracy is a superior way of life and I believe that it 
     will help carry our nation onward to meet its most fantastic 
     goals.
       Democracy is often referred to as ``rule by the majority.'' 
     However, another phrase I prefer seems to more clearly define 
     democracy. It relates that democracy is the absence of 
     hereditary class distinctions or privileges. In other words, 
     democracy allows for any person, regardless of age, race, 
     gender, or social status to have his say in the workings of 
     our country. According to Robert Hutchins, ``Democracy is the 
     only form of government that is founded on the dignity of 
     man, not the dignity of some men, of rich men, of educated 
     men, or of white men, but of all men.'' I agree with this 
     statement and claim this type of equal dignity and 
     representation to be a major reason why democracy is a form 
     of government above the rest.
       Also, democracy is superior for its emphasis on individual 
     freedom. As a general rule, it allows persons both the right 
     and the responsibility of shaping their future. Each person 
     is allowed to make his own choices, both in life and in 
     governmental issues. However, not only is one given the 
     ability to do so, he also has a responsibility both to the 
     government and to himself to carry out his decisions. This 
     individual freedom is necessary for a democracy and is 
     another reason why democracy is a step above the rest.
       However, not only is democracy an excellent program for the 
     present, it is also a bright path into the future, a yellow 
     brick road to tomorrow.
       One feature of democracy that will help lead to a 
     prosperous future is its ability to ensure peaceful change. 
     Democratic methods for making changes negate the need for 
     violent uprisings. Many economic and social changes have been 
     made recently, and most have happened with little turbulence, 
     other than perhaps a peaceful protest march, or other such 
     means allowed by the Constitution. Also, democracy allows for 
     the peaceful change of political leaders. Free elections are 
     held when time for the transfer of power, and the people vote 
     upon who should next receive the responsibility of 
     representing them in government. This power of the people 
     ensures that they can make decisions peacefully. In a country 
     founded on war, this assurance of peacefulness is a key to a 
     bright future.
       Another way democracy will take us beyond is due to its 
     practically. Generations to come will be able to follow in 
     our democratic footsteps, just as we have been following our 
     ancestors' paths as far back as the founding days. Why? 
     Because democracy is easily applicable to a daily life. The 
     process of electing officials and making decisions based upon 
     majority vote can be seen from the capital to the classroom. 
     The right to ``Life, Liberty, and the Pursuit of Happiness'' 
     is something not just penned in the Constitution, but is also 
     a motto for daily life. The ability to still apply democracy 
     some 2,600 years after its origin in Greece only stands as 
     proof that it is a form of government stable enough to lead 
     us beyond the realms of today and into tomorrow.
       In conclusion, democracy is both a form of government and 
     an ideal. Our country has been built and has grown as a 
     result of this plan we call democracy. I believe that 
     democracy is a way of life above and beyond any other man-
     made plan, and I am proud our country subscribes to this mode 
     of self-government and equality for all.

                          ____________________