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Edited on Sat Apr-15-06 11:50 AM by Akoto
I've never been much of a writer, but as I get older, I find myself thinking a great deal about current events in the world. The economy, politics, the war. My review of this morning's posts brought with it the inexplicable urge to put my insights down where others might read them. If you'll excuse the poor grammar and meandering text, perhaps you'll find an interesting nugget tucked away within this young person's backwards thoughts.
Some might say that I haven't seen enough to really form a genuine opinion on the world as it exists. I'll admit, I've never been to war. I wasn't alive for the World Wars, nor for Nixon. The age of Reagan was going on when I was more concerned with Legos, Nintento and Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles. My political awakening took place during my teenaged years, which I look back upon and recall with fondness the term of President Clinton. Was he perfect? Certainly not, and I don't approve of many things that he's done. However, the atmosphere of the times was a far sight better than what we have today.
I never expected that I would have to witness another bout of serious corruption (something worse than a blowjob) or war in my time. My parents did not expect it, and neither did my grandparents, whose distinguished records marked their sacrifices and service in past wars. My late grandfathers were two of the most honorable men I have ever known, and their medals are now cherished possessions of mine. They never had anything good to say about war, about the so-called glories earned and justifications offered for the act. In fact, not long before my older grandfather passed, he spoke of Bush when he told me that there was nothing more dangerous to the country and the military than a war president. He said that such men are a hazard to both, for they often do not know the costs and tragedies of war, nor do they have regard for the people that suffer the high price. It's all politics for them.
That stuck with me. Since then, I've watched the news. I've written to my representatives. At every opportunity since I've been eligible to do so, I have done my duty to the country in voting. You might wonder why other people my age seem to have so much disregard for the values that were instilled within me. The fact is, the same thing that pushes them away from the process often burdens me as well: the apathy and hopelessness of modern times. I don't mean that in an "emo" way, if you're familiar with the term.
The fact is, America's youth population is far more aware and perceptive than many people give them credit for. They know about the far-reaching hands of the corporations and government. They've read on the blogs about the crimes of Diebold, about the stains cast upon our nation through horrific acts committed abroad, many by command of our highest representatives. They even know that they can protest - and that they'll be gunned down with gasses and tasers, or segregated to "free speech zones" while the evening news reports on the President's latest golf trip or the dog that has adopted a litter of kittens. They see this, and the doubts that adults have in their judgement, and they wonder what they can possibly do to bring about change.
That's not to say that all young people have given up and bought into the mainstream. I would hazard to say that many people belonging to my generation are more liberal and open-minded than ever before. They detest oppression in all its forms, and cherish the freedoms offered by our country - the freedom to be who and what they are, and to live as they want in a country that respects their rights. These are the people who'll forge a better future when the dust has finally settled from the current storm, but we need more. We have to stand strong, and to make advances against tyranny that show my fellow young people that their opinions are heard and acknowledged as valuable.
Speaking of liberal and open-minded. I'm certain that many hardcore members of the right wing would think me a heathen in the truest sense. You see, I believe in an America where everyone may live as the people they truly are, so long as their choices in life do not do harm to their fellow man. I don't think we should regard Christ's so-called opinion when determining whether homosexual individuals may live openly in our country. Why? Because I'm not a Christian, and this is not a Christian nation. Similarly, I believe that there should be equality among all races and genders, all ages and faiths, all backgrounds and parties. I believe that you should be able to speak your mind about any subject without fear of reprisal, and that your choice to do so should not result in your being secretly labeled a terrorist. I believe that we should be free in the truest sense, not in the 'feel good' sense that the current administration speaks of while wiretapping our phones and spying on our internet usage.
Upon considering these thoughts, I find myself imagining how aghast the Founding Fathers would be at the alien landscape of America. They came here to escape persecution. Somehow, men of different backgrounds and religious beliefs managed to sit down and forge a set of rules that nurtured our nation's ideals for over two centuries. Once upon a time, there were even presidents who were willing to personally sacrifice, to risk their own lives for causes that were TRULY worth the price. Where did things go wrong? Can they ever be fixed?
I'm no psychic, but I believe that we can. We've reached a moment. A fork in the road. In one direction, there lies tyranny, where our rights are quietly stripped away as rigged voting processes continue to hold sway over the rulership of America. In the other direction, there's the opportunity to stand firm against opposition and use our Consitutional right to speak out against what's wrong in our homeland. There's the chance to elect good and honest men who'll put their necks on the line to fight back against the destructive tactics being carried out within the bureaucratic tongue and convoluted halls of our legal system. There's a chance, but we all have to be together to make it happen - young and old, respecting and supporting each other.
There's a popular line from a recent movie which I often think of: "People should not be afraid of their governments, governments should be afraid of their people." Always keep in mind that they're elected to serve us, not the other way around. You have the right to feel contrary to their declarations, and to tell them so without fear of being labeled a threat to the country.
Whew. I think that's enough for now. :)
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