Dare to dream!

Many home-schooling parents and others have asked me how I became interested in politics or how I started writing for WorldNetDaily. In reply to them, I am writing about my start in writing and my interest in politics.

I first started writing when I was a lot younger. I didn’t always finish what I wrote, but I still loved to write. During that time, I started to watch the evening news many times.

As I grew older, my eyes began to open up. I began to pay more attention to the radio and TV news reports. At that time, my mother would listen to Rush Limbaugh while we were in the car. I was attracted to Limbaugh first because of his entertainment ability and, even then, he made me laugh. Rush Limbaugh, as my favorite talk-show host, has really inspired me to keep writing. I began listening to him every day, as well as keeping up with the news on TV and radio. In addition, about that time, Internet news started up and I used that as well. My interest in politics and news didn’t come from my parents, but they encouraged me and answered my questions. Nevertheless, my mom did always keep the radio news on for my benefit.

In addition, events in the Clinton administration attracted my interest. The more I learned of government and politics, the more interesting it was. I learned as I asked questions, listened to politicians, watched the news and, of course, listened to Rush Limbaugh. Government, politics and news seemed to grab my attention. I didn’t know why, but I was soon paying more attention to it than even my parents were.

When I was 12, I began to think of writing about politics. I stumbled upon the website VoxPox.com. I wrote one article about President Bush’s tax cut with an Internet pen pal, Jeremiah Crockroft, 11, who is a columnist at VoxPox.com. The article was published and later resulted in both of us becoming columnists.

I wrote for VoxPox for some time and later learned of WorldNetDaily. I eventually wrote Joseph Farah an e-mail telling him of my column at VoxPox. I didn’t seriously think it would go anywhere, but I decided to give it a try – what could it hurt? I didn’t have any fear of rejection, because I didn’t expect to be accepted. To my surprise, I got a reply from Mr. Farah and we talked part of the day, via e-mail. His first reaction was that I might be a ghostwriter. However, he later requested that my parents call him about my writing.

My parents called Mr. Farah about my writing the next day. As things progressed, I realized I could be accepted after all! After talking everything over with my parents, we agreed that it would be a great thing for me to do and let Mr. Farah know. I talked to him the next day and he got me in touch with the commentary editor, Tom Ambrose. My worst fear was that no one would take me seriously. However, Mr. Farah expelled that doubt by taking a great interest in my writing, and Mr. Ambrose did as well.

This is the greatest part of America, just as Rush Limbaugh has been saying: We can pursue that which makes us happy. I followed that and, with the help of God, I’m doing what I love to do. I’m writing.

Although I’m just beginning my career, my words to you are this: If you have a passion for something, whether it be writing, politics or something else, keep striving for your goal. Write to those newspapers and to people who can help you. Don’t be afraid of rejection, because rejection is inevitable. Follow the news, and, of course, listen to Rush Limbaugh. Don’t be afraid to get out there and get active.

One of the most important things to do is not to listen to negativity. Wherever you go, people will bash you and tear you down. Just don’t listen to it. Remember 1 Timothy 4:11-13: “Don’t let anyone look down on you because you are young, but set an example for the believers in speech, in life, in love, in faith and in purity.”

Rush Limbaugh has been a big inspiration to me. As an optimist, he always looks for the good in things and has always told his listeners to pursue their dreams. That’s just what he did, and look where he is now.

I have been told that Joseph Farah and Rush Limbaugh started the way I am. Mr. Farah wrote articles and Rush Limbaugh played as if he was a talk-show host in his basement. They did not have a forum, where people could have access to their work, as I do. I’m thankful for this forum and thankful to WorldNetDaily for giving me a chance.