[Congressional Record Volume 162, Number 58 (Friday, April 15, 2016)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E497]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                    MAJORITY RULE BY PAYTON SPRAGUE

                                  _____
                                 

                            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.
  Payton Sprague attends Dawson High School in Pearland, Texas. The 
essay topic is: majority rule.
       Majority rule is an important concept both in our political 
     system and in our society. It allows for an orderly and 
     practical determination of the direction of our society by 
     the majority, thereby avoiding the problems associated with a 
     system that requires unanimous support. Although it might 
     sound ideal to have everyone united behind a single effort, 
     law or action, this in reality would be impossible. Rarely 
     would you find unanimous support for any idea or law. Such a 
     requirement would lead to an inability to function as a 
     society.
       If I were elected as a Congressperson, I would vote 
     consistent with the majority views of my constituents. As a 
     politician who is elected, by a majority vote, I would be 
     compelled to vote consistent with interests of the majority 
     of my constituents, whenever possible. This may be the case 
     even if I don't agree entirely agree with their wishes. If 
     ones goal is to be reelected, then they might believe that 
     pleasing the majority is the easiest way to go. In contrast, 
     if the goal of the congressman is to make a change in their 
     community and country, then they would do what would end up 
     being the best overall choice.
       The wishes of the majority should be met until they abridge 
     the rights of remaining citizens. The people vote on the 
     members of congress for a reason. By doing so they give the 
     power to a single individual (congressperson) to make 
     decisions on the course or vote that best benefits the whole 
     constituency. But, the decisions or votes should ultimately 
     be made by the congressperson because they are the most 
     qualified person and the only individual that is likely to be 
     aware of all of the implications of the decision. Hopefully 
     this knowledge will give the congressperson the ability to 
     overcome any bias, sentiment or other shortcomings that the 
     constituency may have in order to arrive at the decisions 
     that are best for the group.
       Majority rule is not perfect because it ignores the needs 
     of the minority, but it is likely the best compromise for a 
     large society that would otherwise be stymied by indecision 
     if unanimous rule was required.

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