If you don’t care about politics and you don’t vote, then you’re an idiot. Literally, the word idiot originates from the Greek word idiotes, refers to a person disinterested in participating in democracy and public life.
Unfortunately, many students here at Elk Grove can be rightfully characterized as an idiot.
Take late last August for example: my first day in my AP Government class began with a discussion about how the American people are not as interested and involved in politics and government than they used to be. To highlight this, my teacher pointed out that out of the 2,000 students at our school, only 23 kids opted to take a government class.
To say that this is disconcerting is to say the least.
According to Project Vote, voters ages 18-29 make up 21 percent of the eligible voting population, but in the 2008 presidential election, they made up only 17 percent of the actual voting population. Also, less than half, 49 percent, of 18 year olds are registered to vote. And even further, in the 2010 election, voter turnout for people over the age of 65 increased 16 percent while voter turnout for youth decreased 55 percent.
While it is important to decide who is elected to tackle the big challenges we face, being involved in how we tackle them is equally as important.
There are so many issues being discussed in politics from education, college tuitions and student loans, to jobs on the market that are going to directly affect us. There should be no reason for these low numbers because the more aware you are of these issues the better the chance you can make any sort of difference in your future.
It’s as simple as if you care about politics, politics will care about you. Most politicians realize that today’s teens are tomorrow’s registered voters. The more teens show interest politics, the more politicians will somehow try to involve them in the process.
Another point to think about is that the current policies that are being decided today are going to affect us the most more than anybody else in the future.
Even more so, if you have a job, it’s your money at stake. If you pay taxes or any sort of sales tax you are providing the government with their financial lifeline. It’s only natural to care about what you are getting from the government in return.
For instance, what if right now Congress is trying to decide on a policy on whether or not to extend summer vacations for schools throughout the nation. While this is highly unlikely that it will ever happen, I can guarantee you that there would be so many of us that would be involved to ensure that this law passes. It just goes to show that if we care, we win. However if nobody cares, then nobody will win.
While I understand that for most of you, health care and education reform might be subpar to Jersey Shore and the Kardashians, bear in mind that it’s ultimately your future and the the future prosperity of America at stake. If you don’t care now, then who will?
Doing simple things like reading or watching the news, paying extra attention in your social science class, registering to vote or talking to friends and family about what’s going on can go a long way.
Just be involved, be educated, be an advocate and don’t be an idiot.
By: Julianne Micoleta
