A rant and thought, please read

[JohnKleeb]

Maybe it's because I live in a red state and red area or that my generation was born in to Reagan's era but though there are many liberal teens, I can't understand conservative teens my age, I can't understand someone who like me has held a job but sees no problem repealing the min wage, when I worked as a bagger at Giant Food, I worked with people of all backgrounds, all ages, some of whom were immigrants, many of whom were just trying to make ends meet. When I hear someone my age support this horrible war in Iraq yet when you challenge them to enlist, they say they wouldn't do it. You hear that health care is not a right yet a woman should never have the right to choose no matter what. You hear though some of your classmates don't full know the english language and that your own great grandmother never fully grasped it, that the english language should be official and a requirement for citizenship from others. You hear from people who couldn't pass a US Citizenship test look down upon immigrants yet you pass that test and you are open minded to the immigrants because they remind you of your own ancestors who struggled hard to get here. I could go on and on about this but the things that make the young political activist in you smile is when you go to some town in god only knows where Pennsylvania to spread the good word of John Kerry, to protest the illegal and immoral war in Iraq, to march for a woman's right to choose, and to be with other people your age who share your dreams or have simliar dreams. This election is not just for today but it will determine a lot of futures. I don't even fully remember why I became political but here I am, seventeen years of age and just simply in awe at the past four years, the people I've met, the things I've learned, the books I've read, the movies I've viewed. I guess this is my lesson for high school.

[ikojo]

1. JohnKleeb...I am just in awe at the amount of awareness

you possess. Most people (including adults) just do what was done before them by their parents, it's the easy way. Most people don't want to take the time away from Survivor or the baseball playoffs to research what is really happening in their name.

I am old enough to be your mama and I still don't understand how someone who comes from generations of working class Americans can support shrub and his policies. How can anyone oppose a minimum wage?

[JohnKleeb]

2. I got thinking about all this for a couple of reasons

Mostly out of utter shock out of the conservative views some of my classmates have, seeing how close that MTV poll was, and just ignorance. I don't know why they oppose the min wage, the person in question also seems to think everyone around here is super rich, but its not really like that, I am not gonna lie and say I am poor but compared to many of my classmates, I am very modest, don't drive, I walk, my parents had to work to get me and my brothers where we are now, etc.

[MuseRider]

3. John

Sometimes I just sit here in awe of you and the other younger members of this board. I would like to think or I would hope that had the Internet been available when I was your age I would have been much like you. It is a funny thing, what you are talking about. Lack of education is part of the reason and I mean a good education. There have always been folks like you mention but it seems never so many. Having lived through Nixon, Reagan and Bush 1 I can honestly say this is the darkest time I have ever lived through. I might not say that had I been male, therefore draft-able, during Vietnam but from my perspective this is the darkest. I remember the protests then and how it made me feel, much like you are talking about. Something to make you feel good and a little hopeful through all the crap that is coming down on a daily basis. I truly hope that this is the darkest period of history you ever have to live through. I think if we do this right and make these guys accountable it might be. Who knows but you and the others your age give me great joy. If it were not for you all I would feel pretty hopeless.

[JohnKleeb]

11. It is just so beautiful and awe inspiring to see other people

your age fighting with you for your beliefs. I still dont know why I became active honestly.

[Magrittes Pipe]

4. I was right before, John.

You're going places in this world.

I know you're shy and uncomfortable with people now; but I also know you will make your mark someday, buddy.

[MuseRider]

5. I would like to second that. n/t

[JohnKleeb]

10. Perhaps so

I don't expect nor do I want fame, sure I would love to write the words which everyone remembers but I dont want to be famous.

[silverlib]

6. Now I have a great reason to get up in the morning...

knowing that you are out there - youth and energy and everything wonderful.

Thanks JK

[JohnKleeb]

9. I try, just was thinkin about it all

[mongo]

7. you show wisdom that is beyond your age, my friend.

In college you will find more people who share your beliefs.

[JohnKleeb]

8. Actually I can go to school knowing that there are people out there

That's why I am so pleased how great young dems has this been this year.

[JohnKleeb]

12. kick