[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 158 (2012), Part 4]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages 5457-5458]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




                         HONORING KOMAL LUTHRA

                                  _____
                                 

                            HON. PETE OLSON

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                        Tuesday, April 24, 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.
  Komal Luthra is a sophomore at Clear Springs High School in Galveston 
County, Texas. Her essay topic is: In your opinion, what role should 
government play in our lives?

                       Importance of Involvement

       The government plays a major role in our lives. It governs 
     us and tries to keep the country running in a smooth manner 
     even though there may be conflicts taking place with other 
     countries. The government is there to serve the people. For 
     example, currently, our country is facing some financial 
     challenges, still the government is making efforts to help 
     those without jobs and find ways to cut spending. Not only 
     does the government play a major role in our lives, but we 
     also have the opportunity to be involved. We must realize 
     that we do not have to be politicians or government officials 
     to be involved.
       There are so many ways one can get involved in the 
     political process. One can vote, voice his or her opinions, 
     and inform others about issues that our country is facing. It 
     is important to stay updated with the issues we are facing as 
     a country and how we can slowly deliver the message and work 
     together to make a difference. It is like a chain reaction. 
     For example, in recycling programs, an individual cannot 
     enforce recycling because it is a group effort to spread the 
     word in the society to save our environment. We can also get 
     involved by contacting an elected official or candidate via 
     phone or email, visiting or attending political meetings. We 
     can take part

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     in demonstrations, protests, boycotts, or marches to have our 
     voice heard. This presents the fact that as citizens we have 
     a lot of freedom and many opportunities. The issues being 
     faced in the economy, education systems, technology, and 
     environment cannot be solved unless we get involved.
       When we vote, we take our country's future in our own hands 
     by voting for the best candidate. It is important that we 
     elect the person who represents our country with good moral, 
     values and care for the common people of this country. Every 
     vote counts when it comes to choosing the best candidate to 
     be our president because he or she will be deciding and 
     leading our country's future for the next four years or more.
       We have a democracy which gives us the right to speak our 
     mind in political words. This right is given to us in the 
     Bill of Rights of the Constitution. For example, if an 
     individual faces a challenge where his or her rights are 
     being violated, he or she should come forward and bring the 
     issue up to a government official. Elected official should 
     help one find a way to solve it through creation of new laws, 
     establishment of new programs or explore other options to 
     preserve the individual's rights. A democracy includes all 
     the people and it is incomplete if only a fraction of the 
     people is representing the whole population. Men, women, 
     elderly and even young adults should actively participate. 
     Even though children may not be able to vote they should 
     still be aware of government so as they grow up, they are 
     prepared to represent the country.
       In conclusion, by being politically active, we learn to 
     become motivated, hopeful, and optimistic. It is our right as 
     citizens to practice ``freedom of speech'' and stand up and 
     speak for our country. It shows confidence, determination, 
     and passion.

                          ____________________