Teens Not Taking Action in Government

For teenagers and adults alike, the view of American government today seems to be summed up verbally in the extent of how much our President "sucks."

Since America entered the war in Iraq, citizens of this country have constantly been engaged in debates on whether or not we should be there.

In the 2004 election, Americans voted for either the Bush or Kerry party, each mocking the other side to the point of humiliation.

This pattern of course is shown throughout most, if no all, of America's presidential elections, as it gives people a chance to speak out for what they believe in.

However, teenagers, who are considered the future of our country, seem to be content in bashing the leader or party they oppose rather than taking action for or against that figure.

In the 1960's America was involved in the Vietnam War, which many people opposed at the time.

Yet teenagers in that decade could not depend on technology to speak their minds. They picketed, protested and rebelled until the government was forced to make changes.

Today, organizations that exist for poverty or abortion related causes have been known to use this form of protest to portray their feelings to the President, and sometimes these demonstrations have been successful.

Yet, if so many people are unhappy about the current war in Iraq, why isn't this type of protest used more often today?

In this day and age, technology has allowed people of all ages to speak their minds using websites, message boards, and other forms of online media.

Although it is perfectly justified for teenagers to use these forms to voice their opinions, it sadly is not guaranteed that they will be heard.

There are millions of sources of information on the internet, but a great deal of that information is unfairly opinionated and often invalid.

People should not rely on technology to receive the truth about their country when they could be looking towards the source, which is the American government itself.