[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 159 (2013), Part 6]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 7751]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




                        TRIBUTE TO LAUREN AHART

                                  _____
                                 

                            HON. PETE OLSON

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                          Friday, May 24, 2013

  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.
  Lauren Ahart is a senior at Stephen F. Austin High School in Fort 
Bend County, Texas. Her essay topic is: In your opinion, why is it 
important to be involved in the political process?

       It is crucial for everyone in the United States to be 
     involved with the political process because every vote counts 
     and you have the right to represent what you believe. In my 
     opinion, if someone does not vote they should not complain 
     about anything that goes on in the country. Therefore if 
     someone wants something to be different or to make a change, 
     they must put their voice out there to be heard. This concept 
     of speaking out for what one believes is held sacred 
     throughout society and should be maintained during political 
     times.
       If someone votes, they have expressed their thoughts and 
     have helped the tally. The number of people that vote 
     conclude the winner. So, obviously it would be smart if 
     everyone marked their ballet for the people they want to rule 
     so we will get a reliable source of votes. The number of 
     people that did not vote was terribly low, during the 2012 
     presidential election, which makes me frustrated. The right 
     of freedom to vote is something that we should take advantage 
     of and without it our country would not be how it is today.
       People that fight for the freedom everyday and give up 
     their lives so we can have all the rights we do today, would 
     find it disrespectful if they knew that someone was simply 
     staying home and not voting. If the right causes are not 
     supported and the issues of the times are not addressed, our 
     society are at risk for a less secure and overall quality of 
     living. As a citizen, everyone should be able to participate 
     and take one hour from your day to stand up and pay your 
     respect for our country and its governing bodies.
       From my point of view, when someone votes they are speaking 
     their values and beliefs, and showing what they would like to 
     see in this country. It's the participant rate that helps 
     guide our country for the greatest good of all. If you want 
     to live the life you dream of, you must help the cause of a 
     healthy political process. The decision to vote should be a 
     given, but because the people have not cared as much about 
     what happens this leads to our country not reaching the full 
     potential of a fair democracy. So please take part in putting 
     your ideas and your wants for America out there, be 
     knowledgeable at election time and ultimately go vote your 
     ballet.

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