[Congressional Record Volume 146, Number 141 (Tuesday, October 31, 2000)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E2035]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




  SUPPORT FOR THE EFFORTS OF CHANNEL ONE TO TEACH OUR CHILDREN ABOUT 
                               DEMOCRACY

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                           HON. VAN HILLEARY

                              of tennessee

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, October 31, 2000

  Mr. HILLEARY. Mr. Speaker, at a time in which we hear so much about 
what's wrong with our children and young adults, it is easy forget all 
of the positive things taking place. The truth is that most of our 
children are doing well--they are growing up in loving homes, they are 
receiving a high-quality education, and they are becoming tomorrow's 
leaders. And while it is right to point out instances where we can 
improve, I believe it is equally important to call attention to 
positive developments.
  In that vein, today I would like to commend the Channel One Network 
and the 900,000 young adults who participated in Channel One's 
``OneVote'', the largest online vote ever. ``OneVote'' allowed students 
in Channel One middle and high schools across the country to cast 
online ballots for President, for Governor, and for Senate in states 
where statewide races are taking place. The students also were polled 
on important national issues. Each student was assigned a special 
registration number so that only registered students could vote and 
that no student could vote more than once.
  Now I know my colleagues are skeptics--and will think I enjoyed this 
poll solely because Govemor Bush defeated Vice President Gore in a 
landslide. That's not true, although it did make me feel better about 
our future.
  Seriously, the simple truth is that this vote should be celebrated no 
matter who won or lost. Channel One's ``OneVote'' undoubtedly gave many 
young Americans their first taste of democracy on a national scale. 
Students in one small school in rural Tennessee were able to see how 
their votes compared not just with their friends across the hallway, 
but with kids across the country, from California to Missouri to Maine.
  Young adults also were encouraged to think about important issues 
facing our country, including education, world affairs, and integrity 
in government. They were urged to think about how these issues impact 
their lives and the lives of those around them. More than just a quick 
poll, OneVote is part of Channel One News' ongoing process of education 
and involvement for millions of teens.
  Mr. Speaker, these activities should be recognized and encouraged. 
Staying informed, thinking about concerns greater than one's self 
interest, and participating in our nation's decision-making process are 
excellent habits for our young adults to develop.
  There is a great deal of cynicism in our country about whether our 
government really does the work of the people. Recent history shows 
that this cynicism has led to lower and lower voter turnout at 
elections. This is a shame, Mr. Speaker, because the only way to make 
sure the government does the people's work is if the people stay 
informed and actively engaged in the affairs of government.
  The power of the people to control this country's future can take 
many shapes and forms--from writing letters to the editor to serving in 
office. But the greatest power comes from perhaps the simplest of acts: 
voting. When all the campaigning speeches are over and the television 
ads are gone, each and every American gets their say when they step 
into the voting booth and pull the lever. We need to constantly remind 
our fellow citizens, especially those in the next generation, that 
voting is both an important right and responsibility.
  Mr. Speaker, the Channel One Network's ``OneVote'' gave hundreds of 
thousands of young Americans an important first lesson in democracy--
and I would like to recognize Channel One and the thousands of 
participating schools and their students for this outstanding success.




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