Capitol Words a project of the Sunlight Foundation

Sen. Bernard Sanders

Mr. President, I ask to have printed in the Record these essays written by Vermont High School students as part of the second annual ``What is the State of the Union?'' essay contest conducted by my office. The following essays were selected as ``Runners Up.''

The Statements follow.

The American Dream is adaptable. The ideals that we have long valued are admirable, but often contradicting or impossible to achieve with a large population. In today's economy, that translates to the right to a free market economy, conflicting with the practical need for government interference; the right to succeed for oneself, battling with the need to work together for today's and future generations. As long as our country is able to prosper without certain regulations, I encourage it to run free, but when the winter comes and there is no more grazing, the horse must accept the fence that accompanies the grain. It is imperative that Americans collectively work to solve problems with social security, our economy, and our political system in these troubled times. ``Maybe if we ignore it, it will go away'' has been the standard approach to growing concerns about social security in the last few years. Because of increasing life expectancy, more people are retiring than the system can support. When the newest generation retires, there won't be enough funds for everyone, unless something changes soon. A fixed rate retirement check is the logical solution, if we deduct money from the fixed rate check based on income. Working citizens would pay fewer taxes because only the people who need social security will be receiving it, and everyone else would have more money to put aside for their own retirement plans. The predominant issue of the 21st century has been the international recession. Unemployment rates are high, but what many young Americans don't realize is the shortage in technical workers. There is a national trend towards traditional four-year universities, but technical careers are the road to take if you are searching for job stability, demand, potential for advancement, and self-employment or a local employer in today's economy. Through ad campaigns and offering incentives to students enrolling in technical universities. This is a simple way to lower the unemployment rate, while promoting local businesses. Another important step in rejuvenating our economy is passing legislation that gives the national government more control over the stock market. Occupy movements have swept the country and it is time for Congress to respond, instead of hiring and appointing the same executives who were largely responsible for our economy's collapse. In order to move forward, we need to present a united front. Republicans and Democrats are rending our country in two because of partisan pressure. We need radical change in the political system: remove all party authority. Primaries and power distribution in Congress put too much emphasis on parties, cause corruption, and detract from the primary duty of Senators and Representatives to their states and country. As our soldiers rejoin their families at home we are forced to turn our focus inward. Reform is necessary. It is not a question of when nor is it a question of how. Rather, the question is whether or not we are willing to do what is necessary to save our great county. God bless America.

Kate Raszka, Champlain Valley Union High School (Runner Up)

My fellow Americans: The current state of our nation is one of anticipation; anticipation for the future and what changes will occur in the government regarding both foreign and domestic affairs. Our country faces many difficulties: a struggling economy, the draining of resources from involvement in foreign conflicts, too few new jobs, environmental degradation, uncertainty about how to pay for health care, and a damaged international reputation because of our handling of suspected terrorists. While we face many difficulties, we can find strength as one union and pursue solutions as a nation. The United States must continue to lead by example. We should teach the world how to prevent the degradation of our environment. We as a country can promote renewable energy resources. This would create a larger, newer market which in turn would provide many new jobs. We have the power to directly change the future. We must lead the fight to preserve our planet. It is unfortunate that while our country faces many domestic issues we have been deeply involved in conflicts overseas. However, our involvement in Iraq has led to a more stabilized and democratic country. As we pull out, we leave with a success. Currently our judicial branch is deciding whether or not the recently passed health care bill violates individual and states' rights. All Americans deserve affordable health care. To be successful our citizens must be able to live without the fear of being unable to provide themselves or their children healthcare. It may be wrong to require all people to buy insurance, but a solution must be found by our esteemed members of Congress in which all seeking citizens will find affordable health care. The indefinite incarceration of our citizens suspected of terrorist involvement is a wrong that must be corrected. The National Defense Authorization Act is a direct violation of habeas corpus and must be dealt with. I urge the Supreme Court to do so immediately. The greatest solution to our problems is to make our education system the greatest in the world and prepare our youth for the competitive future. Educating our children will prepare our younger generations to solve new problems that will undoubtedly arise in the future. Currently, our children's test scores fall below other rising nations' scores. With our resources these results are unacceptable. It is time to ensure that all our citizens, particularly those below the poverty line, can attend college. Many of the students with low test scores live in poor environments with few opportunities. The success of our country must be made by building upon our society from the bottom up. It is time to raise our education standards and inspire change among those of us most down trodden. Thank you and God bless the United States of America.