1993-1994 Harry Singer Foundation National Essay Contest

White Hats: People Who Are Trying To Make A Difference

Teacher: Susan Staten

Broken Arrow High School, Broken Arrow, Oklahoma

1st Rebecca White  2nd Kristi Clemons   3rd Bridget Robertson

"Since most people do not want the public to remember them as a Scrooge, they donate money to local charities here and there."
Cory Poplin, Broken Arrow High School, Broken Arrow, Oklahoma 

"Pericles once said that in order to hold society together it is the responsibility of the citizen to respect authority and the laws set down. Aristotle once wrote that respect for authority is also to be taught in the home. Machiavelli later wrote that a society must keep old traditions, otherwise you lose stability in the society. Democritus once wrote that the ultimate welfare of everyone depends upon the state, but that it is also reasonable to hold that the welfare of the state is man's first concern. So, as you can see, philosophy from all times and places supports the notion that both the individual and the government have major responsibilities to ensure the preservation of society."
Kimberly Knutson, Broken Arrow High School, Broken Arrow, Oklahoma 

"In earlier times it was easier to distinguish the role of the individual and the government."
Brenner Farr, Broken Arrow High School, Broken Arrow, Oklahoma

"Perhaps Americans could comprehend their responsibilities better if they studied ancient Athens [where] people were punished for neutrality or apathy. What right does a person have to complain if he does nothing to improve the situation? Congress people come and go, but the power of the people remains, if exercised. When a citizen replaces apathy with action, then and only then, can he rightfully criticize."
Rebecca White, Broken Arrow High School, Broken Arrow, Oklahoma 

"The country is our 'employer', and we must be productive in our environment, and we must show loyalty to our country."
Tracy Gatlin, Broken Arrow High School, Broken Arrow, Oklahoma 

"Responsibility is shared among the government, society, and individuals."
Denise Hamalainen, Broken Arrow High School, Broken Arrow, Oklahoma 

"While the right to pursue happiness is granted, it is not handed over on a silver platter. One must work and sacrifice for happiness."
Kelly Baker, Broken Arrow High School, Broken Arrow, Oklahoma 

"Our system rewards people for dodging responsibility rather than taking it."
Bridget Robertson, Broken Arrow High School, Broken Arrow, Oklahoma

"The responsiblity of the government to its people is very evident; however, the reciprocal responsibility of citizens to the government is not as clear. The care of a 15 year old mother on welfare illustrates this point. A group of mayoral candidates were asked: What does the community owe a 15 year old mother on welfare? All candidates answered, she deserved a chance to get ahead. She is a fellow citizen in need. But when asked what does a 15 year old mother on welfare owe the community, a consensus was never reached."
Bridget Robertson, Broken Arrow High School, Broken Arrow, Oklahoma

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