The 20 Vote

College campuses everywhere have been visited. Radio stations have been tuned into. News stations have been watched. Emails encouraging each other to vote have been sent. And even SNL comedy skits have been downloaded. -- Our voice is being elicited. No longer is our country's future determined by the retired and soon-to-retire, because 20's is a real target audience for the first time since the 60s. As the youth of this country prides itself on furthering knowledge and education, making use of the accessibility of information that internet offers, we are becoming a stronger and stronger force. We have the ability to shape the future. We have the power to connect the dream with the reality of this country. We are not just a silent minority anymore.

But, of course, with great power comes great responsibility.

Youth is often criticised for the very thing that makes them useful. Obama and Palin are perfect examples in examining the "youth" argument. While both candidates offer a vigor and promise of great (and different) ideals and new ways of thinking, they are also condemned for their lack of experience. If we have dreams we are called dreamers, but if we are "experienced" and grounded too heavily then what hope for change can we have? It's a general consensus that we don't want to be so grounded we've not only removed our head from the clouds but forgotten they were there entirely. Dreams should never be completely abandoned.

And on the other side, we know that dreams are not the foundation on which to build a nation. The more seasoned individuals have learned realities that are imperative and easily overlooked when caught in the winds of change. It is our responsibility to never assume we know better, and to never give up. Blessed with endurance and mutability, youth has the potential to drive our country in the direction it really needs to go. One thing is certain: change is inevitable. We know change has gotta happen, and we know it's coming--that's not the issue. That comes with any candidate. The issue is what kind of change.

Our biggest criticism of old dogs is that they can't learn new tricks. They can get set in their ways and never learn to adapt and move with the changing world around them. As the new voice is being elicited--being recognized as legitimately powerful--we have a responsibility to behave with an open mind: this means sometimes disagreeing AND sometimes agreeing with old dogs. No one argument in politics--no one side is likely to be 100% infallible. And we'll make mistakes. The strength lies in not letting mistakes beat you down to stagnation and blindness. Have the courage to change, the courage to be wrong, and the strength to endure for what's right.

And don't forget to VOTE.