get involved

I saw it every day in high school. I see it now in college. Conspicuous consumption. The obsession with owning the most current, trendy MP3 player, a state-of-the-art gaming system, the latest fashion apparel or the newest DVD release.

Why do we do this? To be accepted by our friends and peers? Does it make us better citizens?

Students are the future of America. We are so concerned about the very real need to get a job and make money, it seems no one has the time to think of global affairs until a war breaks out or we are terrorized upon our own soil. Are we more concerned with what film to see on Friday night?

Politics isn't a cool topic to discuss at the cafeteria lunch table. Maybe, just maybe, it's because politics requires you to think and then think some more. In any event, young adults are not being challenged to get involved in the political process or to be aware of issues that in some way or another affect the way they live their lives.

I disagree with the notion that the younger generation doesn't care about hot-button issues like Social Security, health care and education. Ask any college student about increases in tuition and decreases in financial aid. We just need to rearrange our priorities. Is it more important to have an iPod or a college degree? Was it not the Greek philosopher Democritus who said, "Only the educated are truly free"? How can I be free, if I cannot even afford to educate myself?

On Sept. 9, I attended an event in which the public speaker reminded me of the many people that came before me who bothered to struggle for the basic right to vote — for both men and women. On that day I realized being an American citizen not only affords me the opportunity to express my opinion but also actually requires me to do so! It is the role of a responsible citizen.

Simply sitting at home screaming at the TV screen will not suffice! I must get out and vote! That day, I decided to vote simply because I could. It will be my way of expressing how I feel when it comes to issues that I care about. There are lots of people who are hoping and wishing that we are lazy. They want us to sit at home, watch TV and play video games. We must prove them wrong.

Truth be told, many of us have the desire to be involved, but we simply do not know where to begin or who to vote for. First, you must know where you stand on issues that have an impact on your life. Then you must make an effort to research — yes, research — the views submitted by those asking for your vote.

So what are you waiting for? Get to it! Research a local candidate or visit the Web site of someone you voted for and learn something about them. I'm sure you'll have tons of fun and actually feel empowered!

If you do not remember anything else, please remember this: Participating in government is the most important and self-fulfilling thing one can do. Voting is a major responsibility — a responsibility you cannot ignore.

Voting is my voice and I intend to be heard! How about you?

"If not us, then who will it be? Let it be us, and let us begin now."