The challenges and pressures that fall on the shoulders of the President of the United States, the leader of this great nation, are heavy and great at any time in history. Today this statement is truer than ever, as our government struggles to navigate our country through the muddy waters of economic recession, globalization, and party extremism. If I were to be elected President of the United States in the next election, I would have some incredible obstacles in my path as I strive to serve the American people in the best way I can.

One challenge that I would face would be our nation's dependence on foreign oil and its consequences on the environment. I would have a responsibility to think of the impending consequences of our oil consumption on America's natural environment. We and future generations must learn to take care of the environment by utilizing its resources sustainably. As president, I would face the problem of how to accomplish a future where America is not dependent on the oil of other countries, and eventually, not dependent on oil at all.

Another challenge I would face as President today is the immigration debate. Countless immigrants cross the border illegally, some bringing violence and crime. Employers get away with hiring undocumented workers. The pathway to legal citizenship is a complicated and outdated one. As the president, I would have a responsibility to deal with these challenges in a practical manner, not a political one, with a focus on this nation's future and the security of our people.

As a President trying to direct change, I would face the challenge of our divided and gridlocked government. A government in which one party controls the White House while the other dominates one or both houses of Congress has been favored since the 1970s. A divided government has the benefit of forcing compromise, yet it can cause gridlock that does not allow action in times of need. The government shutdown during the budget negotiations in November of this year is an example of the challenges a divided government can cause.

The shutdown is illustrative of another issue I would face as President, which is the national deficit. The national debt reached 1.4 trillion dollars in 2010. Although it has decreased recently, it will again skyrocket in 2022, as the aging population and rising health care costs put a strain on government programs. As president I would need to find ways to cut spending on temporary problem fixes and focus on real investments for our future.

When it comes to making investments for our future, I believe the ultimate investment is public education. America is the land of opportunity, yet without education, these opportunities are not attainable. In our elementary schools children fall behind because there are not enough teachers and resources to help them. They are falling through the cracks of an education system that is understaffed and outdated.

Our public universities, originally created for the purpose of providing affordable undergraduate education, are underfunded. Budget cuts have forced a reduction in faculty, while class size rises. The majority of college students are from middle class families and do not receive aid, yet cannot afford the increasing tuition. As a result they graduate with high student loans.

As president, ensuring a quality education for young Americans would be my priority. I would increase funding to our public schools at the elementary, high school, and university level. I would press for reform of the financial aid system. Students should be recognized for their hard work and good grades. If the government is going to fund a student's education, the student should be required to maintain their grades and stay out of trouble with the law. A combination of aid and loans should be implemented in various amounts based on student need. An educated America is a strong America, and a future generation of motivated and educated individuals will propel our country into a great future.

In facing each of these challenges, not only the President of the United States but also we, as a people, must always look for solutions that plan for the future. While I may not ever actually be president of the United States, I can still be a part of this progress by voting and staying informed on current issues. We all have a responsibility to do this. I firmly believe that we owe it to future generations to leave them a United States of America that is still the beautiful, strong and free land that I am proud to call home.

If given the opportunity to ask our founding fathers any questions queries would come rolling in like waves on the shore. The main question that comes to mind is; is the Constitution a living document? Our Constitution is one that other countries model their own after, and that is something to be proud of. We have so much going on in the country that we all call home, that we always reference back these ground rules for guidance. The freedoms that other countries envy were set by these men. They also have missed out on some of our greatest achievements due to technology and human drive to move forward. Were those original documents meant to stand the tests of time?

That being said, may it be time for an update? Would they be open to possibly rewriting the Constitution, using their core values as our foundation? We have more and more people seeking religious freedom and opportunities that are only available in our country. This country was founded on core values of religious freedoms, but we had owned slaves and took their freedoms. The statement, "That all men are created equal", was it meant for everyone, even now? It may have taken time but we, as a current nation, have overcome most segregation of the past. The bill of rights is now being offered to a wider group of cultures in our country.

This nation was founded on the belief of the ability to practice what you will, but to know that rules are what govern us, and that is what we will follow. It has been proven true and to be successful; to be taken too literally and to extremes also can cause strife within a nation. At this time, fathers, we are dealing with wars in other nations to bring them democracy so that they may live to life we do. Meanwhile at home, we as a nation are dealing with poverty, unemployment, tax arguments amongst our politicians, and grief upon those who depend on the aid of the government. Our vets , who have fought for the documents I am writing about today, are not being taken of the way they should for laying their lives on the line for us to enjoy our freedoms. How would you feel to hear how large our debt is at this present time? Would you even know how to help us make even a slight impact on it?

Our government has become more diverse than anyone could ever imagine. We have racial and gender differences fully represented in Congress and the Senate showing how diverse we are as a nation; it has brought a somewhat optimistic tone to the nation. We are still making strides to take this further, all due to the ideas of freedom you gave to us. What is often mentioned, especially in the parties of government, "What is your definition of the division of church and state?" Religion is a passionate topic for many, along with politics, that it has escalated the simplest of arguments in to wars. How would you feel about troops being sent overseas to fight against countries who believe so strongly in their way? That we lose many of our own troops just to try to deliver them freedom, democracy� choice?

Fathers, would you even want us to alter the Bill of Rights or the Constitution? We have made some amendments to the Constitution, but how many more should we add before we just think of revising or writing a new set of laws? Do you think it would be a good idea to allow just basic ground laws that all states abide by and are allowed then to make their own? I know we like to think we can, but states are still fighting for something that the federal government can easily take away from them and in turn break the state's laws. I'm not talking about slavery, religious persecution, or murder for just any reason being legal. I'm talking about the ability to decide is what they can tax to increase revenue or how many guns they can own. I was always taught that the ability to vote would give a group of people the ability to decide what makes them happy.

What I truly want to ask is how can we, as a nation, understand better what you intended by writing the Constitution and Bill of Rights? Are we on the path you intended us to be on?

The tragedies of 9/11 confirmed a level of patriotism that proved America is still the greatest country in the world and no matter what happens we'll rise to the occasion. Since then, we have seen dangerously low levels of pride in our country and patriotism, especially the loss of confidence in our elected officials. America is a country built on freedom, not free things and everyday people risk their lives and sometimes die to get into the US, not to escape it. Patriotism is a devotion to the ideals of our founding Fathers, as described in the Declaration of Independence. One of the best ways to renew your patriotism is to read the declaration again. It is all there, true patriotism is motivated by a sense of responsibility for one's self, their family, and the future of their country to resist government abuse of power. The best ways I would encourage my peers to renew their patriotism is to register to vote when they turn 18 and learn the laws and be informed, protect our civil liberties, visit their State Capital and US Memorials and most importantly, support the values America was founded on, Life, Liberty and the Pursuit of Happiness.

One of the greatest rights we have in America is our right to vote. If we do not like the way our government representatives are running "our" country, it is our patriotic right and duty to vote them out of office. One of the biggest myths young people in America have, are their doubts that their one vote matters. All citizens, regardless of age, race, and culture or income level have a say in our America and I want to encourage my peers to get informed on the issues our country is facing and vote. All citizens have representation in the laws that govern our country, but only if we vote. What better way is there for us to show our patriotism, than to participate in the process of running our country?

I will encourage my friends and fellow students to protect our civil liberties, by revisiting and embracing with the Declaration of Independence, the Constitution of the United States and the Bill of Rights. The Bill of Rights is the most important rights the citizens of a country have and are guaranteed by the laws of our country. These historic US documents prove how brilliant and uncompromised our founding fathers were in the creation of this great country. It is important to stay informed and exercise our rights and liberties. Freedom of free speech is one of the most important rights we have. To speak without the fear of persecution must always be protected. It is not un-patriotic to disagree with policies or voice our opinion, it is necessary. Never give into fear by allowing media or government to take away any of our liberties.

I think a fun way to renew patriotism in my peers would be to encourage them to visit their state capitals, visit US memorials, history museums and speak to veterans. There are so many stories of courage and bravery that protected the America Dream. I have never heard of another country that is described as "The Dream" other than America and we can't let it go. As young Americans, we need to embrace the foundation of our country was built on and buckle up, because it's never has been an easy ride and it never will be, but its well worth it. It still gives me goose bumps when I think about the spirit of scruffy starving rebels who were lightly armed, had little training, and usually no uniforms, kicking the butt of one of the world's super powers and well trained army, the Redcoats.

I want to inspire my peers to support the values America was built on. In America "all people" have the right to freedom and human rights. The best way to renew patriotism is to never let anyone make you feel afraid and therefore take away your freedoms. What is the meaning of liberty, life and happiness to an American? Regardless of your philosophy or political outlook, being an American embodies certain rights and responsibilities, provided by our system of government and the way we choose to pursue our shared values.

In conclusion, I feel the best way to renew patriotism in my peers, is to get back to basics and revisit the foundations America was built on. We need to be reminded of the fight we had to become this great nation, the sacrifices and bravery of all Americans along the way to maintain our freedoms. We need to stay informed and engaged in the process of running our country. I know every time I hear the Star Spangled Banner, I cry just a little with a sense of pride and patriotism.

I do believe that all young American's should be required to serve our nation for at least two years in either a military or civilian capacity. This is not only because every day about seven thousand of our nation's students become dropouts. Nor is it only because a disproportionate amount of the poor and minorities make up our enlisted military, and not even is it because it might take a crack at lowering our obesity rates, although these are all valid reasons. I believe this because I come from a family of service: my mother, the nurse who puts everything she has into her patients, my father, the police captain who truly cares about the people he protects, both my grandfathers, who have served in Vietnam, one as infantry, and the other in the navy, and my step grandfather, who devoted his whole life to helping people. I have grown up around and been shaped by people who have sacrificed themselves for something greater, just as the men of the VO-67 squadron did in 1968 as they flew above one of the most heavily guarded trails of the war, no doubt with the risk of death always looming around them. Compulsory service will benefit Americans both collectively and individually, as a nation and as people.

Every year my step grandfather organizes and helps with making Christmas food baskets for the poor in our community. Last year, he took me along to help out. Arriving at the warehouse before the sun came up, I saw the other people, from all ages and ethnicities, who were also there to help. I stood off to the side with my cousins and talked, not thinking too much about the other people there. When the work began we all made a large assembly line to fill the boxes with food. Somewhere amid bagging rice, counting apples, and hauling turkeys, I saw something amazing happen. The before separated and quiet group of people became one. We all laughed and talked, sharing stories and smiles as we worked together. It was as if service to others banded us together, and there was a sort of knowing in the air that we were doing something greater than just putting food in boxes. I will never forget this experience, and it taught me a valuable lesson: working together for a cause with others erases the boundaries between people, pulls them together and makes them stronger as a group. In the same way, compulsory military or civilian service will collectively strengthen us as a nation. Being brought together for a greater cause, regardless of race, ethnicity, or status will unify the deeply divided nation we are in today. Imagine our entire nation's youth all working together, regardless of differences. Whether it be fighting for our freedom abroad or fighting here to make America a better place, after two years our nation's youth will return stronger and more unified, ready to take on the problems of the future working together.

Mark Twain once said, "Broad, wholesome, charitable views of men cannot be acquired by vegetating in one little corner of the earth all one's lifetime" Having experiences outside of one's comfort zone broadens and textures the mind. My Grandpa told me about his experience in Vietnam, "You see things you don't always want to see� but it makes you who you are". I myself have acquired a broader view of the world just through working with a fourth grade class at an elementary school in a less fortunate area of town. Working with the kids for a semester, getting to know them personally and seeing another side of life really did open my eyes. I believe that everyone should have experiences such as this, and compulsory military or civilian service would do just that. Service shapes a person in two important ways. It strengthens character, and widens their view of the world. Our youth today need a healthy dose of both. I have personally seen how the work of many of my family members has made them into incredibly strong and resilient people. My father is one of the wisest people I know, and my mother faces obstacles with confidence and adaptability.

I think that America could use more people like these, people of service. I am proud of my family, and cannot wait to continue our history of service to others. I am proud of my country, and believe that at least two years of military or civilian service to our nation should be required of our youth. It would demand hard work, and heavy sacrifice. But, I also believe that for the benefit of the United States of America, it is well worth it.

When pondering the question why is freedom not free, many things came to mind. The first thing that popped in to my head was the fiscal cost of freedom, the money aspect of living in a free country. But as I began to think deeper and began to break down the cost, it was more then just capital that American citizens must pay to remain free of oppression. Payment is not taken only from the pocket, but from the heart and minds of the American public. The biggest loss that takes a heavy toll on all Americans regardless if you have a loved one in active duty is the lives taken in the constant fight for freedom during and after active duty. The loss of ones life in active duty is not the only detriment to a lone soldier fighting the battle for freedom. When done with active duty they are at times left with disruptive conditions that can affect them for the remainder of their civilian lives, such as post-traumatic stress disorder, loss of limbs or other vital human functions. The cost is not only left to the men and women serving, but also to their family and friends waiting for them at home. It is often that during wartime soldiers are forced to leave their needing families to serve their country.

The biggest toll taken on American soldiers is without doubt also the ultimate sacrifice that one could give to their country, their life. You could visit any memorial for any war that the United States have been involved in and have emotions evoked of sadness, distress, and pride. These feelings are without a doubt strong but hold no valor to the feelings that come directly from the deepest part of your heart when visiting any military cemetery. Fortunately, I have never experienced the loss of a loved one due to the struggles of war, and could only imagine the strength of feelings invoked by visiting military cemeteries. With the estimated numbers of lives lost in Vietnam being 50,000 these statistics will not allow anyone to say that there are no costs of freedom.

Even those that do return from war are often plagued with the detrimental physical and psychological aftermath of serving for this wonderful country that we have been given the privilege the live in. When a soldier returns with a missing limb or a paralysis from a damaged spinal chord their lives cannot return to the civilian lives that they previously held. These physical deformities inhibit veterans from returning to work and to their family and societal role. Just as common as physical problems that arise from serving in the military psychological problems come back to the United States such as post-traumatic stress disorder, body dysmorphic disorder, and numerous other stress disorders. These disorders not only affect the veteran plagued with the disorder but also their entire family, and the society that they are returning to.

The cost of freedom that most directly affects me personally is the single parent left to tend for the entire family. When my grandfather courageously left to serve over seas in the Vietnam War he was forced to leave my grandmother to take care of the affairs at home. She also took a courageous role and took four kids into adulthood. Stress was not only put on my grandmother but on my father and aunts. My father was put in the position of man of the house at a young age and with my grandfather only able to be a strong male presence for short periods of time, this task was a daunting one. Although my grandmother took the single parent role head on and still does very well keeping the family close, it has always been said that when he was able to see to his family matters, around the house went much smoother. We are all thankful for the sacrifices that my grandfather gave for the country that we are all proud to live in, however these stresses put on the families of soldiers is another cost in the high price of freedom.

The fact of it is, freedom is not free. The numerous costs noted only are a few that collect from the soldiers serving, the families of the soldiers, and the citizens of this wonderful country we all live in. These costs are inevitable and will forever be on the hearts and minds of every proud American for generations to come. Without them we will not be able to walk the soil of America with the freedoms that we do.