[Congressional Record Volume 150, Number 52 (Wednesday, April 21, 2004)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E579]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




               VFW VOICE OF DEMOCRACY SCHOLARSHIP CONTEST

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. HEATHER WILSON

                             of new mexico

                    in the house of representatives

                       Wednesday, April 21, 2004

  Mrs. WILSON of New Mexico. Mr. Speaker, I commend to my colleagues 
the following essay written by one of my constituents.

    [From the 2003-2004 VFW Voice of Democracy Scholarship Contest]

                   My Commitment to America's Future


                               new mexico

                         (By Christina Durano)

       The future of America does not depend on power of its 
     government, the wealth of its corporations, or the abundance 
     of its natural resources. The future of America lies in its 
     young people and their commitment to this extraordinary 
     nation. As a young person, I cannot foretell America's 
     future, but I can help decide it by my beliefs, my actions 
     and most importantly my commitment to America's future.
       Why is commitment so important? Because commitment is the 
     power that enables a person to achieve his highest goals and 
     greatest aspirations. Commitment is knowing what you want, 
     and doing whatever it takes to get it. And, as an American, I 
     am committed to my nation's future, in four distinct ways. 
     Four C's, if you will.
       I am committed to the common cause of freedom and equality 
     for everyone, regardless of age, gender, race or religion. 
     George Bernard Shaw said, ``Liberty means responsibility.'' 
     And responsibility requires commitment to the common cause of 
     freedom. Without this commitment, the dreams of Americans, 
     young and old, cease to exist. Personally, I'm looking 
     forward to a college education, but because I've chosen 
     alternative schooling, I need colleges to view potential 
     students equally, without prejudice, whether they attend to 
     public school, private school, or homeschool. Freedom, the 
     common cause that upholds ``liberty and justice for all'', is 
     dependent on each citizen's commitment.
       Secondly, I am committed to communicating my convictions in 
     both public and private situations. When I turn eighteen, 
     like every other American citizen, I will be given the right 
     to vote. I will use that right because I know that each vote 
     counts. History records that Abraham Lincoln, one of the most 
     influential Presidents ever, won his Presidency by only one 
     electoral vote. In the same way, however, Adolph Hitler won 
     his dictatorship by one vote. But even before I turn 18, I 
     can communicate my convictions by living my life in 
     accordance with deeply held beliefs. It may not be convenient 
     or comfortable, but that's what commitment is all about. 
     Commitment isn't a dream, a hope, or a goal; commitment is a 
     lifestyle. And I am committed to communicating my convictions 
     so that I can make a difference in America.
       Making a difference often means creating change, the third 
     ``C'' to which I am committed. An old proverb states, ``If 
     you want something to change, you have to change something.'' 
     Change is the pathway to improvement, particularly when it is 
     enacted with purpose and principle. I am one of millions of 
     students who have the opportunity to determine America's 
     destiny. So, does that mean I only have a slight chance of 
     affecting change? Not at all! One-in-a-million changes happen 
     every day. With my commitment to America's future, I can meet 
     new challenges, overcome obstacles and influence others for 
     change. I am committed to change because I know that if we 
     never change, we will never find a better way.
       My final ``c'' of commitment is caring. I have committed 
     myself to caring by visiting nursing homes, helping clean 
     neighbor's yards, and leading children's activities at a 
     local daycare center. The tragedy of September 11 forced 
     citizens to look beyond themselves and the result has been a 
     wave of volunteerism sweeping across the country. Caring for 
     one another unifies us as Americans. Caring is the key to a 
     strong country and I am committed to caring.
       With commitment to these four C's, I can help determine 
     America's future. I am committed to America--to its common 
     cause, to communicating my convictions, to changing and to 
     caring. With this fourfold commitment--these 4 ``C's'', I 
     foresee a great future for the greatest nation on earth. That 
     is my commitment to America's future.

                          ____________________