[Congressional Record Volume 149, Number 34 (Tuesday, March 4, 2003)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E352]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                       TRIBUTE TO MICHAEL BARENT

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. ROSA L. DeLAURO

                             of connecticut

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, March 4, 2003

  Ms. DeLAURO. Mr. Speaker, it is from the mouths of our youngest 
citizens that we hear the voice of the future of our great nation. Our 
children, through their imagination, creativity and pure honesty, often 
bring a unique perspective to some of the most debated issues of our 
time.
  I recently received the following essay, entitled ``If I Were 
President,'' from Michael Barent, a ten-year-old who is in the fifth 
grade at Deer Run Elementary School in East Haven, Connecticut. As I 
read it, it was apparent that even at such a young age, Michael knows 
the direction in which he would like to see his country led.
  ``If I were President, I would work hard for all the citizens of the 
United States. If I were President, I would improve education, keep the 
citizens safe, and protect our environment.
  First of all, I would improve education. I would do that by building 
more schools and hiring more teachers. I would also improve them by 
giving all of the schools new books. Also, I would get more computers. 
Finally, there would be more subjects for the students to choose from.
  Second, I would keep the citizens safe. I would do this by putting 
border guards at every town and city on the border of the United 
States. Also, I would not go to war with Iraq until I had proof that 
they have or don't have nuclear weapons.
  Finally, I would protect our environment. I would do that by telling 
car companies to make cars that would take in carbon dioxide and put 
out oxygen. I won't allow people to cut down many trees and green 
plants so we could get the oxygen we need. I would build more buildings 
that filter the water we drink. Also, there would be more solar power 
and wind power, but less power plants.
  This is what I would do if I were President. I would improve 
education, keep the citizens safe, and protect our environment.''
  I have often been impressed with the messages that I hear from the 
voices of our youngest citizens. I am proud to stand today to thank 
Michael for sharing his thoughts with me and to extend my 
congratulations to him on a job well done. Michael is sure to have a 
bright future ahead of him.

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