In 2008 there was so much excitement surrounding the Presidential election it was contagious.
For many, like myself, it would be our first opportunity to vote for the United States highest office: President, and for a 20 year old, just starting my second semester in college, it turned into one of the biggest moments of my life.
There was not only a black man in the race but also a woman, both of who represented many of the issues I care about.
But a lot has changed since that time of staying up late to hand out flyers and given up my weekends to canvass.
2008 felt so much more youth inspired, as if we had a stake in prosperity of this country, a country and government for which we will on day inherit.
Four years have passed and still many young people are disenfranchised in cities around the country. Education has taken a back seat to corporate buyouts; the war on crime taking place in our backyards has been overshadowed by the one abroad.
So excitement is no longer what I feel, at times I am disheartened by the progress and yes, we have made some progress, but there is more to be done.
Every year thousands of young people are being left behind in books they have yet to learn how to read. We can just create more jobs; we also have to educate the people who will fill those positions.
We can’t just protect our boarders, when there are people dying right here on our city streets.
Don’t get me wrong, I am not one to say that one issues is more important then the other but what I will say is that youth and youth issues cant just be addressed during election time, especially since when we make up such a huge demography.
It’s truly entertaining to watch candidates try to engage us every few years, as if our memory is that short.
If a candidates want my vote come November then they have to prove to me that they can do more then give a great speech, we as young people are not so swayed by the lip service, as we are inspired but the actions.
Government is always telling us what they have done or will do for us, we as young people are neither lazy nor uneducated. So don’t just ask us what we want you to do, give us a chance to be apart of the change.
Want my vote, well engage me beyond election cycles, create a space for me to be a part of the political process, not just as intern and talk about tangible solutions to issues that are impacting me generation.
My vote counts too!
