[Congressional Record Volume 156, Number 16 (Wednesday, February 3, 2010)]
[House]
[Page H531]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                    WE THE PEOPLE, BY CALEB MATHENA

  The SPEAKER pro tempore. Under a previous order of the House, the 
gentleman from Washington (Mr. Reichert) is recognized for 5 minutes.
  Mr. REICHERT. Mr. Speaker, now more than ever, young people across 
this country understand the gravity of the issues that we face today as 
a Nation. Mr. Speaker, I would like to take some time this evening to 
share a poem that was written by a ninth grade student in Washington 
State. This ninth grade student just happens to be my grandson. His 
name is Caleb Mathena, and he has written a poem. He sent me the poem 
and said, Papa, what do you think about this? I didn't know that he was 
writing this poem, but I was pleased to get it; and I am pleased to 
share it with those who are listening. It's called ``We the People.''
  ``We the people of freedom and choice, we elected our main voice, 
hired to keep our country strong, our rights secure and list of options 
long. Why is it then that this has happened? Why have they disregarded 
us in this matter? Thinking they know what's best or what we need, 
speeding through without the heed of what we choose, of what we demand, 
forgetting they are merely hired hands, easily removed, easily 
replaced.
  ``Perhaps that is what's best for these United States, knowing not 
humility, only selfish ideals. Now reacting blindly, regardless of how 
others feel. Secretly dealing, concealed by closed doors. Instead of 
candidly conveying, betraying what was promised before. What has it 
come to? Has it come to this? Where We the people are just dismissed?

                              {time}  1730

  As for me, I know that I won't be silent, won't just stand by. I will 
not watch as my country, our country is taken. I cannot nor will not 
sit back. I will not forsake it.
  If we all stand up and state our thoughts, if we have the courage to 
secure our rights that our Founders painstakingly sought, if we wisely 
decide who would honestly be truly honest and unselfish leaders for our 
great country, surely then the land in which we live will remain free, 
free for my children's children to admire and see and say, ``If my 
forefathers fought obtaining liberty for me, then I can surely do 
likewise to the utmost degree.''
  Mr. Speaker, this young man speaks words far beyond his 15 years on 
this Earth. He talks about liberty and freedom. This is the people's 
House, and sometimes we forget who we represent. Sometimes we forget 
who we work for. We work for the people of these United States. We must 
listen to these words and the words of our constituents; listen to the 
words of Caleb Mathena, a 15-year-old student, and all the people and 
citizens across this country; listen to the words of our constituents 
in our districts across the country and respect their wishes to 
preserve and protect the freedom that has been so bravely fought for by 
so many.

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