"The American Privelege" [sic]

I wrote this essay in 2019, before I knew how to spell the word "privilege."

“…to secure these rights, governments are instituted among men, deriving their just powers from the consent of the governed.” This is a powerful statement written in the Declaration of Independence. All the citizens still have this power, because this country is built upon the fact that all of mankind are created equal. We can do many things in our government, but in this essay, I’ll only be talking about our involvement in the legislative branch, which is the branch that makes the laws. We can write letters, make phone calls, send e-mails, etc.  We can encourage, inform, and discourage our legislators respectfully. The republic style of government is one of many in the world, and it is the benefit of living in America. I have sent a letter about homeschool and one about farming and have found it becomes easier after every time. 

            

A few days before I visited the SC State House my mom gave me an assignment which was choosing a bill related to homeschooling and writing a letter to a legislator about it. I was hesitant at first because I had never done anything like this before, but soon decided to write about House Bill #3934.This bill would make sure that homeschooling families’ taxes are not used to fund public schools.  I am homeschooled, yet my parents pay for schools we don’t use.  I hoped that the House of Representatives would reconsider it since they were not actively working on its progress.  I wrote the letter on April 23, 2018 and delivered it expectantly a few days later during the field trip. The legislator never responded to that letter, but the experience gave me a helpful bit of homeschool-style education.

            

Next, on April 13, 2019, I wrote a second letter about HB3250, which would ensure access to fresh, healthy food to everyone in the state of South Carolina. This would be achieved by providing funds to SC farmers so that they can grow more food while keeping prices low. The people would become healthier because they were eating fresh food. My family grows and raises some of own our food, and we are supporters of homesteading and organic farming methods. I can say from experience that fresh food is delicious. On April 13, 2019 I wrote this letter. On April 26, I received a response in the mail. Excitedly I tore into the envelope to find that my state representative had written that the SC government basically put the bill on hold to work on a solution that everyone can agree on. As far as I know, this is still the state of the bill. Though this was not exactly the outcome I had hoped for, I was happy for the progress made with this letter about an important subject that everyone can appreciate: good food.

            

Without a doubt, sending letters has become easier for me.  The government seems closer and smaller, instead of in a far-away land called the capitol on the other side of the planet. I am also more familiar with the way our legislative system works, which makes it seem more approachable. There are websites that help with writing and sending letters, as well as finding out who your representatives are. Legislators are usually ready to represent the people. Their job is to uphold the Constitution and represent those in their state or district, however, they can’t represent well if they do not hear from the citizens! There are many issues being debated in our state and federal governments, and we have the power to dictate the future of our legislation. It is surprisingly easy to make a difference. 

            

The experiences gained from the two letters I have written have shown me how an easily written letter can change our country for the better. I chose topics that apply to me, which would have been different if I had written about something I know nothing about. Because I did this, I was eager for a response. The whole experience was like a roller coaster, with exciting highs and times in which patience was essential. The right of citizens having a say in the government has been supported for centuries. That is one of the ideas America was built upon! Keeping in communication with our government is a privilege guaranteed to us as Americans.