[Congressional Record Volume 161, Number 52 (Monday, April 13, 2015)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E466]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                         PRAKUL SURESH'S ESSAY

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                            HON. PETE OLSON

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                         Monday, April 13, 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.
  Prakul Suresh attends Elkins High School in Missouri City, Texas. The 
essay topic is: in your opinion, what role should government play in 
our lives?

       A government is an establishment created by citizens in 
     order to protect and provide for the people of the country. 
     Personally, I believe the role of a government is to do what 
     is best for its citizens in a just manner. The government 
     ought to try to protect its subjects and uphold societal 
     welfare in the best way possible, whether it is through 
     action or inaction.
       A primary goal of the government is to ensure the country 
     is safe from foreign attacks. For example, after the 
     September 11th terrorist attacks, America responded with 
     force and began operations against Al-Qaeda and Osama Bin 
     Laden in order to protect our homeland. The American 
     government has an obligation to keep its citizens safe 
     against war as well There are many ways in which a government 
     can approach this. One method is to fight against enemies to 
     keep America safe. Another method is to try to keep peace 
     without compromising our interests and principles in order to 
     ensure Americans do not have to unnecessarily fight. The task 
     of protecting our nation is extremely difficult, considering 
     the plethora of threats that nations such as the United 
     States get. However, it is vital that America protects the 
     safety of the nation.
       Another duty is to ensure all Americans have the 
     opportunity to succeed. One mechanism through which the 
     government can do this is by making public education 
     affordable and within reach to the common man. By promoting a 
     properly functioning public education system, the government 
     guarantees that anyone, regardless of gender, race or any 
     other factor, has an opportunity to succeed. The government 
     should also have an environment that encourages innovation, 
     success and hard work, not an entitlement society. The 
     government is obligated to give everybody equal opportunities 
     at success, which is a foundation for a prosperous society.
       Finally, I believe the government ought to try to create a 
     stable, powerful economy. Businesses employ people, provide a 
     sense of purpose to the people, pay taxes to fund the nation, 
     and promote what makes America great: hard work, innovation 
     and a powerful economy. By creating stable policies and 
     providing incentives to draw investors and businesses, as 
     well as supporting existing businesses, America can grow its 
     dynamic economy. Policies such as low tax rates and 
     simplified laws can help incentivize investing in the United 
     States. It would be in the public's best interest to have a 
     powerful economy, which leads to a powerful nation.
       As Ronald Reagan once said, ``government's first duty is to 
     protect the people, not run their lives.'' The government 
     should ensure that society is protected, whether it be 
     protecting against foreign threats, protecting the 
     opportunity to succeed, or protecting the economy. Through 
     protection, the government can take the best actions and 
     inactions regarding numerous issues.

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