[Congressional Record Volume 161, Number 52 (Monday, April 13, 2015)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E470]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                         BRITTANY EXLEY'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.
  Brittany Exley attends Pearland High School in Pearland, Texas. The 
essay topic is: in your opinion, why is it important to be involved in 
the political process?

       ``No matter where you stand politically--even if you are 
     unsure of what your political ideology is--it is important to 
     take part in the process of shaping our government'' (Brad 
     Henry). The awareness gained by being involved in the 
     political process is not only a good thing but a fantastic 
     thing because ignorance can be dangerous. Also being active 
     in politics is one of the very few ways, in today's world, 
     that one human can change the nation just by voting or 
     stating their ideas and opinions.
       If more people were involved in politics there would be 
     more people that are more aware of what is happening in the 
     world outside of themselves. They could listen to the reports 
     on other nations and their relationships with each other. 
     However, they wouldn't just hear about other countries and 
     their problems but what is going on within our own nation, 
     both good and bad aspects of it. Young people are the biggest 
     group of non-voters within the United States' population of 
     able voters. They believe that they have too much work and 
     things to do that they do not vote, which is one of the few 
     ways that they could influence the governments direction and 
     create a bigger voice for themselves. If they were to get 
     involved they would be more aware of the occurrences 
     happening in all the world's countries and every relationship 
     each nation has with one another. Therefore the young people 
     would be more knowledgeable, less ignorant, and have more 
     ability to state and try to stand up for their views in the 
     political process.
       If you had the chance to change the world for the better by 
     one simple action, would you? Being active in shaping the 
     government is one way to do this. Voting for the change or 
     way you believe the government should be ran is your voice, 
     why not use it? One person's vote can determine who is in 
     office, what bills are passed, and the actions of the 
     government. If a person votes it takes their values, beliefs, 
     and opinions are one more step closer to actually happening. 
     Voting, stating, and claiming their ideas and opinions can 
     influence other people's beliefs around them and can 
     eventually shape the government.
       Taking an active role in the government can transform 
     politics to fit your own views, and change for the better of 
     the nation. It can also make you more aware of your 
     surroundings and less ignorant of what is actually happening 
     in the world. Being active within the political process can 
     change the world in many ways.

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