I think that it's about time the youth woke up to the world. 2004 was a wake up call to everyone. The youth was supposed to come out in huge numbers to rally behind John Kerry, and they didn't. The exact same percentage as in 2000 voted in 2004. After eight years of war and a bad economy, I think the youth finally realize how important this election cycle is.
I was so disheartened by the 2000 election. I was 16 when that whole Florida fiasco went on, and it broke my heart when Bush was given the presidency. I was so upset by it that I registered to vote the date I turned 18, so that I could have my say in politics (at least, as much as voting gives you). In 2004, I was even more heart-broken. I voted for Kerry and wanted so bad to see him win. I was in such shock and disbelief when the country re-elected Bush. I couldn't believe that we actually signed up for another four years with this back-water, country bumpkin. The 2006 election, where the Democrats took back Congress, finally gave me something to be happy about.
As the primary process started out in 2007, I first said that I would vote for John McCain; that is, I would vote for him if the sam McCain that ran in 2000 ran this time around. He isn't. So, I had to make a choice. I initially supported John Edwards. I thought he was a smart man, and I liked what he had to say. He was fairly charismatic, and he had already been through an election cycle as Kerry's running mate. I thought it was his time. But as I started to see that his influence wasn't strong enough, I again had to choose between Hilary Clinton and Barack Obama. Truth be told, I think Hillary Clinton is a smart lady, who knows how to get things accomplished. That being said, I thought that she was incredibly too negative for me to get behind. I finally began to notice Barack Obama, and I'm so happy that I did. The man is brilliant, an incredibly eloquent speaker, so charismatic that he could charm the pants off of nearly anyone, and actually stand a chance of winning this. I will admit that I'm trying to not get my hopes up, should they be dashed if this country makes another mistake and elects McCain. But I really think that it is finally time for America to elect a black man as our president. Obama is the right man for the job. I agree with all that I have heard him say, and I believe that he will take this country in a direction not seen in eight years. No more negativity, no more threats and "with us or against us" dialogue. It's time for actual leadership, diplomacy and democracy, not the fake shit the Bush administration has been pushing around. I have shown my support for him by purhasing a tee-shirt and a button. I sport the button on my backpack, and I have proudly worn my shirt around San Jose State's campus a few times. I plan to wear it right around election day to show my pride. I really hope that America wakes up and makes the right decision. I hope that the youth vote finally turns out as it has said it would in elections past.
3 comments:
I've already sent in my vote! So you have one less person to worry about! =)
This was real and refreshing to read. I still sport a "Hillary for President" bumper sticker, but of course along side it there's a "No Third Term, Vote Democrat" sticker. We need some serious change in this country. I'm hoping to see record numbers, and that this election won't result in another Bush v. Gore type of scandal.
Kevin,
Good job! Your blog is so refreshing to read. The fact that you kept up with your posting, with a variety of topics that elaborated your heart-felt theme, showed that you understand the medium well.
I think your style of writing does not need a lot of multimedia assets, so my suggestion to you to enhance your readability of a blog is to keep the length to a size that will not be too tiring to read reversed white text from black background. I think once in awhile adding hyperlinks to other Internet resource to enhance your content's credibility would help.
Keep up with your great work.
mf
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