My mom wanted me and my siblings to care about our country. I remember watching the coverage of the 1992 Presidential election with my parents when I was only 5 years old. I didn’t understand what was going on, but every time a state went from gray to a color, I cheered. I didn’t know why, but it seemed exciting. In 1996 I played in Nickelodeons’ Kids Pick the President and ‘chose’ Clinton, probably because my parents liked him. In 2000 I realized the power that a vote has, and in the weeks of dispute and uncertainty MSNBC educated me a great deal about how the system works. Though disappointed with the results of 2000, I was not discouraged and when 2004 rolled along I was 18 and ready to start voting. It was exciting.
Despite my interest in politics, which manifests itself in lengthy debates with families and long times reading opinions and research online or in print, I have not yet donated to a campaign. This time its different, I have donated three times already in 2008, including today, bringing my total contributions to $100 so far.
Why the change? Because too much is at stake.
This year, our country is at a crossroads. How we move forward will be critical to our future. This year’s election will dictate how we greet the new decade. How do you want America to move forward? There a two candidates who each have a different answer to that question and a different vision. Find the one who most closely mirrors your own vision, and vote for them. If you have $10, contribute as well.
My contribution today was not a freebie for a budding politician, but a different kind of investment into my, and my country’s, future. I encourage you to do the same.
- Contribute to a Presidential Campaign (Barack Obama or John McCain)
- Contribute to a Senatorial Campaign (Democrat or Republican)
- Contribute to a Congressional Campaign (Democrat or Republican)