[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 158 (2012), Part 3]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages 3271-3272]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




                        ESSAY BY AMANDA KERSTMAN

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. PETE OLSON

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, March 8, 2012

  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 these with my House colleagues.
  Amanda Kerstman is a senior at Clear Springs High School in Galveston 
County,

[[Page 3272]]

Texas. Her essay topic is: In your opinion, why is it important to be 
involved in the political process?

       As a citizen of the United States of America all citizens 
     are given the right to participate in the political process 
     whether it would be to run for office, or vote in a primary 
     election. Having the power as a citizen to participate in the 
     political process is a right given by the United States, but 
     many people in the present time take this as a chore to 
     participate rather than a privilege. The voter turnout in 
     Houston, Texas has decreased every year because of people not 
     willing to go vote in any election, whether it is for a 
     district judge, or an election for the president.
       Our constitution was built from people who wanted to shape 
     the new world into a country where people have the right to 
     choose who they want to run their country. It is the citizens 
     responsibility to keep our country a republic and vote for 
     people to represent us. The key to make sure that people will 
     stay politically active is to make sure the youth of the 
     United States stays informed and up to date with what goes on 
     in politics. Once they are informed they have the knowledge 
     to form their own opinion and allow them to take action in 
     supporting a candidate or coming up with their own ideas to 
     run for office one day. Whether a person is inspired to run 
     for local office or for president all helps the political 
     process. Having the Congressional Youth Advisory Council is a 
     great way to get the youth of America involved in political 
     decision-making by letting them able to share their opinion 
     to political leaders. It also allows the youth to be informed 
     on what is going on in congress or in political decision 
     making directly for a political official. Being a part of the 
     political process is very important for American citizens be 
     involved in because if we aren't, we will let down every man 
     that fought for our political freedom.

                          ____________________