[Congressional Record Volume 162, Number 58 (Friday, April 15, 2016)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E486]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                         ESSAY BY REBECA CHACKO

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                            HON. PETE OLSON

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                         Friday, April 15, 2016

  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 from across the political spectrum that 
sheds a light on the concerns of our younger constituents. Giving voice 
to their priorities will hopefully instill 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.
  Rebeca Chacko attends Manvel High School in Manvel, Texas. The essay 
topic is: Select an important event that has occurred in the past year 
and explain how that event has changed/shaped our country.

       In the 1960's the movement for marriage equality gained 
     notable attention. This attempt gained traction because of 
     the growing number of people who identified as homosexual. 
     Since then, there has and continues to be conflict facing the 
     definition of marriage. This issue unraveled the larger issue 
     of government power. What can the government dictate, and 
     what is overstepping the line? Even though the United States 
     was built on Christian ideals, the government cannot cater to 
     a specific group of people and neglect the rest. The Supreme 
     Court legalizing same sex marriage evoked discussion and 
     reevaluation of our country's beliefs.
       Our government has the responsibility of maintaining order 
     and protecting the rights of the people. As the people 
     evolve, the government must evolve accordingly. With this 
     Supreme Court ruling, some individuals felt as if this was an 
     attack on their personal beliefs. Certain groups of people 
     felt that they were going against their religious views by 
     accepting this ruling. However, the ruling made it clear to 
     individuals with those beliefs that it is not a matter of 
     right or wrong in their standards, but a matter of equality 
     that is extended to all individuals. Religious rights should 
     not be encroached on, but individual rights must be preserved 
     as well. The country learned to be more open and accepting of 
     an array of views. Our constitution was created to ensure the 
     protection of the minority, so no one group has to feel 
     inferior to the rest.
       The nation realized that everyone's views are not 
     homogenous. With the legalization of same sex marriage, our 
     nation has become more progressive. Though the entire country 
     might not be on the same page, they are on the path to 
     acceptance. Nothing happens overnight, and no one should 
     expect it to. Moreover, people cannot be complacent; they 
     have to continually fight for the minority. Now, our country 
     is more open to change and reform. This ruling helped us to 
     become a better nation that includes all groups. Democracy 
     cannot function without the illumination of the people's 
     voice provoking change. That is exactly what has happened 
     with this ruling.

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