[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 161 (2015), Part 4]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 4741]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




                         TRIBUTE TO ROBERT WARD

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. PETE OLSON

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, March 26, 2015

  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 them with my House colleagues.
  Robert Ward attends Dawson High School in Pearland, Texas. The essay 
topic is: in your opinion why is it important to be involved in the 
political process?

       Founding fathers like George Washington, Samuel Addams, 
     Thomas Paine, and Benjamin Franklin were willing to deny the 
     most powerful nation, navy, and army (The British) in the 
     1770s. Why? They were tired of abuse and fatly representation 
     that was given to the New England colonies as they argued for 
     fair and equal representation in the British parliament. ``No 
     taxation without representation'' was declared by John 
     Hampden when asked to pay for a shipping tax to the British 
     parliament. He argued that he shouldn't have to pay any takes 
     to the British government when he wasn't event represented in 
     their parliament. The founding fathers noticed and followed 
     suit, declaring independence for America in 1776 after the 
     British government had refused to give equal representation 
     for the colonies. The American Revolution took the lives of 
     50,000 along with thousands of French and Indian soldiers who 
     fought for the America's ideals. America won the war with 
     Washington's determination, Indian guidance, and new 
     guerrilla warfare. Why was such a conflict pursued? The right 
     to be represented and participate in the political process 
     was why.
       Thousands have died and still due to this day to protect 
     every citizen's right to be involved in the political 
     process. The ability to be involved gives every citizen in 
     the country their ``bite''. It is the easiest way to make an 
     impact on government and the nation short of being in the 
     government administration. By simply participating: voting, 
     suggesting legislation, and being involved in organizations 
     like the congressional youth advisory council everyone can 
     have a voice, a privilege that has been fought dearly for, 
     and that few posses. It is crucial for those who want to have 
     an impact to be a part of the political process.

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