Let’s talk politics!?! Our generation is often characterized as disdaining the process that selects the policy makers who will impact our futures. I don’t believe that is entirely true. What I have observed is that many feel their votes are insignificant. “Will my voice be heard?” appears to be a question that receives a resounding no among my peers.

In the past, it has been easy to ignore the politics of the nation. Prior to 9/11, the “War on Terror”, and Hurricane Katrina, I gave little thought to national politics. Then again, I was only eleven. Still, these events have given me evidence of the impact of our nation’s leaders.

The friends I have whose parents have been killed or lives have been disrupted as a result of government decisions have given me irrefutable proof concerning the importance of selecting the BEST possible candidates for powerful positions.

The sad reality is that most people fail to realize the importance of politics until some catastrophe forces an otherwise reluctant, well… complacent, citizen to cast a ballot. Very few willingly go to the dentist for a routine checkup, but when a cavity or some major discomfort arises, an appointment is made to address the issue.

Like the hapless chap in need of a root canal, we too must address the decay in our national government. In our short lives, we have witnessed the impact of policy makers, and we cannot afford to sit in silence. We do not have the luxury of letting our parents and grandparents decide our fates.

I am turning eighteen in two weeks. I am turning eighteen in an election year. I hope you will join me and exercise your right to vote.

Make an informed decision:
http://www.cnn.com/ELECTION/2008/debates/ -see what they have to say