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




                        ESSAY BY HEATHER MacPHEE

                                 ______
                                 

                     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 
Heather MacPhee, a member of the Valley Center Teenage Republican Club.

       ``As a sophomore at Valley Center High School, I had a 
     basic idea of where I stood in the world. Despite my lack of 
     experience and knowledge, I knew that I valued being a 
     conservative woman in a time of uncertainty and compromise. I 
     was confident in my beliefs, but could not effectively defend 
     or even explain my reasoning. That was the year I became 
     involved with the Teenage Republican Club, and now I have no 
     doubts that I have the knowledge to proudly register as a 
     Republican voter.
       Two seniors I admired and looked up to introduced me to the 
     Teenage Republican Club. Melissa Hill and Nicolete Lawrence 
     were smart young women that I respected very much. I hoped to 
     be like them when I was a senior and was extremely flattered 
     when they recommended me for the 2-1 Federation for 
     Republican Women Advocacy Workshop. While at the Advocacy, I 
     was exposed to the true enthusiasm of the Republican Party. 
     During the short two days in Sacramento, I learned from party 
     members, including state legislators, where Republicans stood 
     on big issues and the little known issues. I learned from 
     first hand experience how our state government operates and 
     the importance of individuals in our society. Since the 
     Advocacy, I have done my best to be involved in my political 
     surroundings.
       T.A.R.S. has given me the opportunity to fulfill my desires 
     to play an active role in local government. Until last week, 
     I was unable to vote, but through T.A.R.S. I assisted other 
     people in taking advantage of their right to vote. I have 
     registered voters at North County Fair and encouraged seniors 
     around me to cast their votes. I have also assisted with the 
     Federated Republican Women's Club fundraiser so that they 
     could adequately publicize, encourage, educate, and spread 
     Republican ideals. I personally feel the most satisfaction 
     from being a leader, I know that the biggest impact I will 
     make will be through my actions and not my words. With this 
     in mind, I attempt to live each day in accordance to my faith 
     and values which are inherently Republican. The best 
     expression of my thoughts happens to be from the Republican 
     Oath:
       ``I believe that Americans value and should preserve their 
     feeling of national strength and pride, and at the same time, 
     share with people everywhere a desire for peace and freedom 
     and the extension of human rights throughout the world. 
     Finally, I believe that the Republican Party is the best 
     vehicle for translating these ideals into positive and 
     successful principles of government.''
       As I grow older, my appreciation for the freedoms of this 
     country and the enthusiasm behind my beliefs will only become 
     greater. I hope to take advantage of all opportunities to 
     vote and never lose sight of the direction of our government. 
     I will continue to serve our nation through my career and 
     participation in the political process. I will also continue 
     to proudly support the Grand Old Party.

                          ____________________