Photo by Jacob Dukes
Speaking to students of Government and AP Government classes Mon. Oct. 5, Congressman Lamar Smith visited the school to talk about his career as representative for the 21st Congressional District of Texas.
Congressman Smith gave a brief lecture on his political career, the several committees he participates in, and his role in legislative action, followed by a brief question session.
“I love talking to high school government classes,” Congressman Smith said. “It’s just a wonderful opportunity for me to see what’s on the students’ minds and to see what they’re interested in, that’s why I like to be asked a lot of questions and get a lot of comments because then I know what issues [the students] want to discuss.”
Quoting President Theodore Roosevelt, Congressman Smith actively believes and encourages the role of citizen political involvement. Despite the fact that the majority of the audience does not possess much political power until after graduation, the congressman provided students with many opportunities to get involved in government at an early age.
“[Students] can get involved in student politics. They can join outside organizations, political organizations, Republican or Democratic organizations,” he said. “Even just the basic act of registering to vote or voting is important.”
