[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 149 (2003), Part 12]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages 16260-16261]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




                      ESSAY OF MICHELLE WILKINSON

                                 ______
                                 

                     HON. RANDY ``DUKE'' CUNNINGHAM

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, June 25, 2003

  Mr. CUNNINGHAM. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to read the essay of 
Michelle Wilkinson, a member of the Valley Center Teenage Republican 
Club. ``The Republican Party embraces many noteworthy values, including 
personal responsibility, service, and integrity. Throughout my life, I 
have been taught to follow these principles. As a student in an AP 
Government class and as a member of the Teenage Republican Club, I have 
come to realize how these values have influenced my life.
  A major Republican value is personal responsibility. From a political 
view, this means that the government should only do what individuals 
cannot do by themselves. To me, personal responsibility is a way of 
living so that I am a contributing member of society rather than a 
burden. In my life, I have taken the accountability for my studies and 
other extracurricular activities. Because I know that I am responsible 
for my own actions, I have been able to excel in school, and have been 
accepted to the school of my choice. I have tried to make the most of 
my opportunity to attend school and believe that my efforts have been 
rewarding and worthwhile. As a Republican, I hope to be able to elect 
officers who believe in personal responsibility and strive to create 
laws that promote self-reliance in American citizens. I plan to major 
in History Education, and, as a teacher, I want my students to know how 
important this ideal was to our founding fathers. I will personally 
teach my children and my students to be conscientious and charitable 
members of the community in which they live. People who have cultivated 
an independent lifestyle are better able to give service to others.
  Service to others is an integral part of the Republican ideal. When 
individuals voluntarily give their time and means, resources are used 
efficiently where they are truly needed. Government entitlements are 
not conducive to a strong work ethic and should only be depended upon 
for true emergencies, not as a planned lifestyle. Some of my service 
experiences include: registering voters, organizing a concert for an 
elderly care center, quilting blankets for a women's shelter, and 
organizing a dance for mentally and physically handicapped adults. 
Although no one expected or demanded my service, they were all very 
grateful for my time and talents, which I give freely because of the 
joy I receive in return. I know that I will continue to give my time 
and resources how and when I choose. I believe that I should be able to 
choose how my resources are used so that I know they are being used 
wisely and effectively. When we

[[Page 16261]]

are compelled to give our resources through high taxes, we are deprived 
of the feelings of generosity and benevolence. I will continue to use 
my influence and my vote to elect Republicans who share this ideal.
  Finally, integrity is a vital Republican value. We must elect 
officials who will do what they believe is right even if it is not 
popular or easy. Karl G. Maeser, an educator, once said,

       I have been asked what I mean by my word of honor . . . 
     Place me behind prison walls . . . there is a possibility 
     that in some way or another I may be able to escape, but 
     stand me on that floor and draw a chalk line around me and 
     have me give my word of honor never to cross it. Can I get 
     out? No, never! I'd die first!

  We need public officials who will abide by their word of honor, not 
the shifting of polls and public opinion. I have sought to be honest 
with all people, even if it is not to my advantage. The reward of 
integrity is trust, which is broken much easier than it is built. Our 
country has suffered from the lack of integrity in our leaders, I hope 
that we can find leaders who can restore honor and integrity to public 
offices. As a mother and a teacher, I will instill the value of honesty 
into my children and students. I will teach them that their word of 
honor defines their character.
  I know that there are many problems with our current system of 
government. I also believe, however, that they can be reformed if the 
ideals of responsibility, service, and integrity, are utilized. Despite 
imperfections, I know that our country is the best in the world. I am 
grateful and proud to be an American.''

                          ____________________