Having experienced two Political Science classes here at FCC under the tutelage of Dr. Sabjit Johal, has inspired me to surf a wave of critical thinking that, more often than not, tend to picks apart the government and it’s lack of structure to accommodate for change.
I’ve complained numerous times about the faults of the system of our government, time after time shooting my mouth off in a negative light about the Bush Administration ever since 9/11.
I was of voting age when Bush was going for his second term. And with very little comfort in the decisions his administration it made me feel as though my voice really did not matter in the democratic process, and with Arnold Schwarzenegger as the Governor of California, it further quelled my desire to vote.
What was worse, it quelled my desire to exercise my civic duties as a citizen of our country.
I had become so deterred with the direction and decisions made by the leadership within our country I did not believe my vote could change things.
Then came along a young Junior Senator from the state of Illinois, someone who had a multi ethnic background and a grounded view of what the country could do to improve our nation’s socio-economic situation, as well as improve our race relations with the world outside our own.
As Obama was propelled to the presidential nominee spot, the hope that perhaps a change for the better would manage to break through the dark clouds that surrounded the Bush regime was beginning to resonate within the lips of many around me, including teachers and loved ones.
All around me a message was sent through the media and the mouths of those watching the campaign trail carefully; the young voters of America simply have to get involved with this all too important election.
Further more, as a part of the Mexican American minority, I felt a similar message. The necessity for the minority vote was just as vital as the young adult vote. This would display a hope that voices of minorities could bring change.
As the campaign trail carried on, this message began to hold within me, perhaps it was time to get involved with the democratic process and finally participate in this election.
If there was ever a time to hope for an improvement from our country, now would it be it, with the prospect of a president who is all about change.
As a first time voter, as well as a full time student attending FCC, I’d like to talk about why I decided to put my figurative money where my mouth was and actually have the right to complain about whether my vote counted.
I received my absentee ballot a few weeks after registering to vote, I took the time to actually read up on the measures and politicians up for election. I carefully made my choices and dropped my ballot off on Election Day.
After watching Obama get elected, I felt a great sense of pride. I believe his victory spread across the land a great hope for the future; a future that may not enable a return to prosperity, but definitely a turn for the better.
