[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 161 (2015), Part 4]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages 4984-4985]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




                         PHILLIP PRATER'S ESSAY

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. PETE OLSON

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                        Tuesday, April 14, 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.
  Phillip Prater 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?

       ``OBAMACARE'' . . . one of the most important changes in 
     the history of healthcare reform. Millions of Americans 
     desperately in need of some form of health insurance are 
     going to benefit mainly because individuals got involved in 
     the political process.
       The political process reaches far back to when our founding 
     fathers created this great democracy. They instilled during 
     that time that a democratic society is effective only if 
     individuals are given the opportunity to express their 
     concerns and actively participate in the political process.
       Laws in government are made that affect our lives each and 
     every day. Some of these laws are positive, yet some are 
     negative. But we have to live by them. However, apathy is 
     contagious. Our democracy could be a stake if we chose to 
     ignore hearing about and participating in the political 
     process. If you don't participate, then you can't and should 
     not complain about an outcome that greatly affects you. Some 
     individuals believe that government has no bearing on our 
     daily lives. But this is farthest from the truth. Government 
     affects every single aspect of our lives.
       For example, the Civil Rights Act of 1964 outlawed 
     discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, or 
     national origin. It also ended unequal application of voter 
     registration requirements and racial segregation in schools. 
     Many thanks to Dr. Martin L. King, Jr. and countless 
     individuals, who marched thru city streets, participated in 
     freedom rides, and some ultimately paying the ultimate 
     sacrifice so that future generations could live and VOTE in a 
     land of opportunity. It also paved the way for other civil 
     rights legislation such as the Americans with Disabilities 
     Act of 1990.
       If you're eligible to vote, then vote!!!!!! This is by far 
     the easiest way to get involved in the political process. But 
     pulling the lever also means understanding the issues that 
     candidates are for or against, so that you can make the right 
     vote.

[[Page 4985]]

       Another way is to write your representative and present 
     your opposing views or disapproval on a topic that you firmly 
     agree on.
       Other ways to get and staying involved in the political 
     process are as follows:
       Volunteer to help with voter registration drives
       Educate voters by developing voter guides
       Volunteer to work on a political campaign
       Participate in protest rallies and marches
       Attend a debate or a town hall meeting
       Getting involved in the political process by every 
     individual is critical if our democracy is to continue as the 
     greatest country in the world!!!!

                          ____________________