[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 158 (2012), Part 3]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 4037]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




                        HONORING BRANT MEREDITH

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. PETE OLSON

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, March 22, 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.
  Brant Meredith is a sophomore at Clements High School in Fort Bend 
County, Texas. His essay topic is: In your opinion, why is it important 
to be involved in the political process?

       Our government is what represents each citizen of the 
     United States. It is important to be politically active 
     because we all have a voice in the path that our country 
     takes. It is necessary to express your governmental opinion 
     so that the best choices for the majority may be made. 
     Because our government represents us, it should play a major 
     role in our lives. Our representatives voice our opinion so 
     it is important that we elect them and advocate who we think 
     will do the best job so they will in return play an active 
     duty in our own lives.
       The government of the United States should regularly 
     exercise its powers. The people elected their representatives 
     to represent them in the government. Therefore, they should 
     represent the people by enacting decisions that would satisfy 
     who they are representing. In order to please the masses our 
     government should play an active role by satisfying the 
     popular goals. The needs of the public are very numerous. In 
     order to meet all of them, it is necessary for our government 
     to play an active part in our lives. If they do not play a 
     crucial part then many needs will not be met.
       As an American it is very important to be involved in the 
     political process. It is necessary to vote for an official 
     that will best meet your needs. If you are not involved with 
     elections then officials who will not meet your needs could 
     come to office. If the majority of our country does not vote 
     a politician who should not be in office could come to it 
     because the vote would be lopsided due to political 
     inactivity. By not being politically active, your needs will 
     not be met. That is why everyone needs to be involved in the 
     political process.
       One of the most memorable events that has greatly impacted 
     our history were the terrorist attacks on September 11, 2001. 
     This marked the beginning of the war on terrorism. We also 
     began to enter a recession. These attacks marked the 
     beginning of hard economic times. America has encountered 
     many problems and potential threats since 
     9/11. This one day was the most significant event in the 21st 
     century.
       In conclusion, we are represented in our government by 
     people who represent us and make decisions for us. It is 
     important for us to be involved with this political process 
     so we can choose leaders who will do a good job representing 
     us and getting through hard times.

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