[Congressional Record Volume 161, Number 50 (Wednesday, March 25, 2015)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E410]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                      TRIBUTE TO ALEXANDRA REBELES

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. PETE OLSON

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                       Wednesday, March 25, 2015

  Mr. OLSON. Mr. Speaker, I am privileged to interact with some of the 
brightest students in the 22nd Congressional District who serve on my 
Congressional Youth Advisory Council. I have gained much by listening 
to the high school students who are the future of this great nation. 
They provide important insight into the concerns of our younger 
constituents and hopefully get a better sense of the importance of 
being an active participant in the political process. Many of the 
students have written short essays on a variety of topics and I am 
pleased to share them with my House colleagues.
  Alexandra Rebeles attends Foster High School in Richmond, Texas. The 
essay topic is: in your opinion, why is it important to be involved in 
the political process?


                           An Undeniable Duty

       ``One of the penalties for refusing to participate in 
     politics is that you end up being governed by your 
     inferiors.''--Plato

       The American political system is an extremely complex 
     system that impacts the lives of every single citizen who 
     lives in our great country. Whether it's a presidential 
     election or an election for local lawmakers, participation is 
     essential in order for the system to be efficient and fair. A 
     failure to vote or a choice to be ignorant in such important 
     matters has severe consequences. Every election that takes 
     place in the United States has a large degree of determining 
     if a law will be passed or if a candidate will take the steps 
     needed in order to create a better country and system. In a 
     situation like a presidential election, every single vote 
     carries great significance and could alter which candidate 
     will win. In my opinion, it is ironic how you see various 
     Americans who have not voted protesting over laws, 
     representatives, or presidents they do not agree with. The 
     majority of the protesters will admit they did not vote but 
     still feel the need to protest. How can you protest a law or 
     principle if you did not even care enough to vote in the 
     first place? I think those who choose not to vote need to 
     take a look in the mirror and realize they are doing our 
     country a disservice. Participation is the first step in 
     order to create a better America that can serve its citizens 
     in more efficient ways.
       I have a firm belief that ignorance towards politics 
     creates a veil that clouds the mind and leads to apathy and a 
     lack of participation in political procedures. Ignorance in 
     global and American affairs is one of the reasons why various 
     people don't know or care about politics. Education in these 
     subjects or matters greatly alters the ways a mind perceives 
     political events. For example, watching an evening news 
     program like the NBC Nightly News or the ABC World News can 
     inform a viewer on the political matters plaguing or helping 
     our country. Education can make a huge difference.
       Awareness of political matters is imperative in order for 
     this country to keep moving forward. Without any input from 
     citizens, how can our elected officials suggest legislation 
     that could help America in the long run?

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