7 Years to 30

NEWS HEADLINES:

"iPHONE 5 REALEASED"

"ELLEN DEGENRES GETS A HOLLYWOOD STAR"

"KATE MIDDLETON MIGHT BE PREGNANT!"

"FIRST LADY OBAMA SMARTER THAN ANN ROMNEY"

"LADY ATTACKED IN FOREST PARK"

"VIDEO RELEASED INCITING FURY IN MUSLIMS"

"ROMNEY DISSES OBAMA"

"U.S. CONSULATE ATTACKED IN LIBYA"

"U.S. AMBASSADOR TO LIBYA DIES"

11 years ago yesterday, I was sitting my 7th grade Civics class when my teacher was told to turn on the television. Two tall buildings I've never seen before-or so I thought-were the focus of the screen. Previously punctured by two airliners, thick black smoke funneled from the structures furiously. My classmates and I looked on silently at the destruction, thinking nothing of what we saw, our still developing minds unable to grasp what was going on and more importantly, what it would mean for our generation. Aware of our ignorance, my teacher said sternly, "I don't think you guys know how serious this really is.". She was right.

11 years later, I again receive terrible news related to our nation while sitting in another classroom, a political science course, appropriately enough. On the anniversary of the tragic day mentioned above, a video incites riots in the hearts of Muslims across the world, resulting in an attack on the U.S. consulate in Libya and the death of the U.S. Ambassador for Libya and three other Americans. 55 days before voting day for one of the most negative and historic presidential races ever.

Today, 18-30 year old's are the least involved age group in political affairs simply because they feel it doesn't effect them; as if the government doesn't control at least one facet of their lives. I am 23 and sadly, I was in this number. I says was because today, I woke up. As my teacher delivered this news to us, along with his lecture, I couldn't help but notice conviction in his tone and slight disappointment. I felt he detected in a sense insensitivity of not only the recent death of a U.S official, but for everything going on around us. Because of this recent uprising, the possibility of a war and a draft are extremely high...maybe even guaranteed. And the age group targeted to defend this country in this very war don't even know. At that time, I thought about my brother who is 20 and a sophomore in college. His plans to play professional football could be cut short because this country has the power to do so. I thought about my 7 year old brother, who's life will forever be changed because of what's going on today. I had to stifle to my tears.

I can not remain blind to what's happening right before my very eyes. I can not remain motionless or silent.

30 may be too late.

Stay American

The other day, I was talking to a relative about some things I've seen around my city lately that have peeked my concern. Similar to my lack of knowledge of the laws and politics of the country that essentially governs my life, before now, I've never been concerned with the happenings of East Saint Louis. But since I moved home from school, I can't help but notice the destitution and infiltration happening before my eyes. I asked my relative, as resident of this city, what should I do about what I'm seeing. Should I voice my concern? Talk to a city official? I find it hard to stay silent while the place I grew up is in such a poor state. Sternly, he replied, "Don't get involved. Act like you don't see it. Stay American". What exactly did he mean by Stay American? With all the hype surrounding this upcoming election, one point the candidates have emphasized is the privilege of being an American, of living in this country and taking advantage of all the great opportunities it has to offer and especially, exercise the right to vote. It's almost being used as patriotism blackmail. The candidates make such strong and insulting arguments about the opponent, maintaining how their policies have not helped the American people and set the country back; however, if you vote for them, their policies will surely get the country back on track. If one votes contrarily, then one isn't American. To stay American, according to my relative, is to not use freedom of speech, see the war and hatred happening in our backyard and refuse to take action. According to the politicians, staying American is to vote for the candidate that supposedly values the principles this country was founded on-life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness-and utilize one's voice. Use carefully and consciously the rights "given" to us, rights we are entitled as human beings-as long as one doesn't use them against the country and government. Listening to my relative, I would get no results and the things would continue as they have. Doing absolutely nothing at all has failed %100 of the time as an option for anything that required action. If I take the advice of the candidates, the results would vary. People have requested many things of our elected officials and there is at least one pissed off person in the group because their suggestion was not acted upon. So what exactly does it mean to stay American? Remain silent or speak up?