9 Days Left

There are only 9 days left until the election. Both campaigns are going full speed. There are a lot more ads and a lot more talk. We have had many campaigns of promises, especially in 2008. This election is about results. Its not about what you can promise the people. Its about showing Americans that you can get the job done. President Obama has had four years. If you believe in those 4 years that he provided the results you expected and that we have a better America, vote for him. If you feel that true leadership and a broader vision is needed for "big change" than Gov. Romney is that guy. He has showed his experience over a span of at least 2 decades. He shown that he can lead. He has lead companies to success. He has led the Olympics to success. He has lead the state of Massuchusetts to success. This is not a hope of leadership. Gov. Romney has been the leader America needs. When he decided to run for office he said that it was because America deserves better. America deserves the success that our country has been built on. Socrates said that a man should only become a public servant through compulsion. A compulsion that is derived from the fact that there is a need and he has been blessed with the talent and skills to satisfy that need. If that man were to decline the role of public servant than a lesser man would assume the position. So he should be compelled to lead. That is what Gov. Romney and Rep. Ryan are doing. Stepping up to a huge task. But they have the experience, vision and skills to succeed. America does have what it takes. We need someone to lead us back to that success that we know so well, but has been distant as of recent.

Young America is our FUTURE!

American Dream

In the times that we are currently living in, the American Dream seems more like a fantasy. There are thousands of statistics that can be used to support this point. It is more obvious than ever. So with that said, what do we do now? Do we forget about the American Dream and focus on the American Reality? I say no. The American Dream more than ever before is on the hearts of every American. Why? Because we have tasted it. We have tasted the ripe fruit of progress and success. We now yearn for it more than ever.

It would be foolish to say that one or two men will bring that dream back to 315 million Americans. It is true to say that these two men, Gov. Romney and Rep. Ryan, have a plan of leadership that will provide a path to progress and success. Gov. Romney's 5-point plan does work. And it will work. Discard all bias and really consider whats at stake and what the two options are. President Barack Obama with the most sincere intentions have given it a shot. He has come up short of the mark. Not because he didnt try, but because he didn't possess the vision and leadership needed. Gov. Romney does. He has proven this time and again; as CEO, Governor and head of the Olympics. There have been many negative attacks on both sides. That is, sad to say, a part of the process. But lets get beyond the gossip and negativity. Lets look at what our future holds.

America is the greatest country on earth. That is why America is the beacon of the world. Our influence stretches to every land whether directly or indirectly. People leave their homeland and travel to the U.S. for opportunity and upward mobility. This is where the world wants to be. Even in times of uncertainty. Becoming a stronger America just doesnt affect Americans, it stretches across the world. Lets be repsonsible to ourselves, our friends and family and those who are affected by our decisions worldwide. Make that choice for progress and success. Vote Romney/Ryan, not because your Republican or anti-Obama. Vote Romney/Ryan because you want a better future and these two men have a plan to get us there. It will take more than these two men, it will take everyone. Let this be the first step.

Young America is our FUTURE!

Last Debate

That was an interesting debate. President Obama had attacked Gov. Romney in many ways. But where or at what time did the president lay out his ideas on how to proceed? He spoke as if he was a candidate running for his first term. Maybe that was my impression. I believe Gov. Romney played his strategy well. Discuss the issues at length and call the president out when needed. He didnt look for every opportunity to strike, as did the president. He held his jabs and used them wisely.

President Obama decided after the final debate and 14 days before the election to release his plan for the economy. I find that to be repulsing. How is it that the leader of the free world waits until there is almost no time to analyze and critique his plan for the U.S. economy and decisions that will affect the world? That is absurd. No one is talking about it. I find that quite puzzling also. We have to hold our leaders accountable. And we arent doing a very good job of that. Where and when did the cries go out for Mr. Obama to display his plan for the country's future? I heard none from beyond the Republican party. Democrats have avoided the fact that their leader is leading them blind. I just dont get it.

Gov. Romney stepped into this race to be a leader. To be the leader that America needs. For the future and for the right now. He has put forth a reliable and viable plan that is outcome-based. Give him that chance and you will see results. The last four years have showed what the president and his colleagues are able to accomplish. Let Romney/Ryan really show that they are America's leaders.

Vote Romney/Ryan on November 6

Young America is our FUTURE!

Understanding Roles

In any system there is a format or an equation that is required for the desired outcome. When the forefathers created the structure of American society they also had a format or an equation for success. This came in the form of the Declaration of Independence, then the Bill of Rights. These documents, along with several others, created the foundation for a great country. The equation can be looked at as:

Components: Federal + State + Citizens= strong governemnt

Principles: FSC(Faith + Character + Example)=morally strong nation

The Federal government was created to protect our citizens and sovereignty and to facilitate interaction between states. That is the true nature of the federal government based on the forefathers. States were to be where the power was held. Each state is seen as a living organism within a larger one. Each organism has its own structure within and is unique to itself in certain areas: population, location, landscape, business, etc.. The state government purpose is to create laws and policies that are particular to its statesman. That is their nature. And the largest factor in the equation is the citizens. Those that elect, create, believe, sustain and feed the state and the nation as a whole. Citizens were seen as influential in every part of government as well as business. This was not a closed door motto. This was the way people interacted; over a discussion of politics and religion, or of art and agriculture. To fulfill your civil duty was not to be taken lightly. Nor was being informed something considered taboo. The premise of having success in this nation was that the citizenry would be the focal point of everything, in word and action. That is why democracy is supposed to be the form of government where the people are the rulers.

Faith is seen in almost every facet of the creation of America. Faith was one of the primary reasons for the beginning of this great nation. This was considered key to our success. At least in the eyes of our forefathers. Belief in Him who created and guides us was essential. In some states you couldnt run for office or even testify in court if you had no faith. Character is another component of our society's foundation. Our structure was set up based on the premise that being a nation of believers we would embody those principles that comes with our faith. Character in the sense of morality, giving, serving, faith, family and country. This character, that our forefathers and myself are speaking of, is what leads mean to fight in battle, to become legistlators or leaders of men. This character is filled with the resolve needed to perservere through tough times like war, dissention or corruption. Example is equally important. Our government as well as our citizens, being an example to one another and other countries. Being an example goes a long way, especially among countrymen. Men are used to be examples to other men who then pass that along. Or countries being an example to other countries. We build off one another. This principles are who America is. Or once was.

The role of the government, federal and state, and the citizenry is supported by these three core principles. In unison, we have a morally strong nation. This format is not antiquated. It comes with no time stamp. It's timeless. This format can be used today. It shoould be used today. We are our only limitation. Gain understanding of our government and its roles. Then gain an understand of your role. Build off that and we will build a better America!


Young America is our FUTURE!

Understand The Plan

The Romney plan is not complicated. It really is not. But many of us dont grasp how his plan brings about success. Well, Gov. Romney understands how the economy works. He understands how to run a successful business. He understands how to run a successful government. He does. He has taken chaos and made it profitable. So this is how Gov. Romney plans equal into success for the Ammerican economy.

There are 5 points to Gov. Romney's plan:

Energy Independence- America roughly consumes 22% of the world's oil. That is huge. Our daily consummption is 18 million barrels. That is number one in the world. The U.S. is the #3 producer of oil globally: 9.1 million barrels/day. We produce 48.6 of our consumption and import 51.4%. The U.S. has a deep supply of untapped-oil on our land. We have not been tapping those resources. Gov. Romney will open up more federal lands for drilling and allow more permits for drilling on private land. Oil is currently $100/barrel. If we import 9 million barrels a day, how much money would we save by tapping our own reserves? Not only does this save money, but it creates thousands, if not millions of more jobs. Gov. Romney also plans to increase investments into alternative energy. This will also decrease our consumption in oil.

Trade- America does trade with many countries, but there are more emerging economies that offer financial opportunity. Gov. Romney plans to help bridge the gaps betwwen the U.S. and those countries that are looking to import more American goods. This will increase manufacturing jobs and bring in more revenue. Tightening our trading guidelines is also essential. Countries like China are manipulating their currency. They continue to devalue their money which makes it more attractive(profitable) to do business with them over America and other countries. This leads to more offshoring, whcich has been taking millions of jobs worldwide. Gov. Romney will create a balanced and fair playing field for trade. This opens jobs and revenue.

Skill-Building- Equipping Americans with skills is very important. To compete globally our workers in every industry must have the neccessary skills. Not only that but they must be proficient in those skills. There is a global market that requires that those providing services are fast and efficient. Highly skilled workers are low in mubers in America. Gov. Romney wants to better our schools through hiring better teachers, making accessibility to college and vocational schools easier and enhancing and increasing the number of  training programs. The impact of this plan is huge and the results are innumerable.

Taxes and Gvt-  America doesnt have a revenue problem, it has a spending problem. Taking the wealth of the richest americans wont even pay off the interest. We have to cut down on the size of government and its spending. Gov. Romney plans to cut out departments that do the same job. Or spending that doesnt add up. Our budget is out of sync and to cut the deficit we must cut spending. Creating a simple tax code without loopholes and having an even 20% flat tax will offset any losses and add to paying down debt. The numbers add up because reducing the tax rate allows for more profit for business which creates more jobs through expansion. So in turn the revunes from taxes will increase.

Small Business-Gov. romney plans to champion small business through lowering the tax code first. Companies are sending out letters saying that if their taxes increase they will have to layoff workers. Business cant handle more taxes. Their is no profit and no jobs in nore taxes. A small buisness has to pay corporate tax, equipments tax, propert tax, taxes on insurance and several others. That gets expensive. Gov. Romney also plans to cut the small tape so new businesses can start. Sam Walton didnt start a super Walmart, he started a small grocery that expanded. Small business loans have dwindled. Gov. Romney's plan will put pressure on banks to increase lending. The results of Gov. Romney's small business plan will be more small business, more jobs and more profits.

Gov. Romney's plan has the ability to bring fast results and get Americans back to work and business to grow. These are 5 initiatives that are productive and outcome based. More jobs and more profit for American citizens, American businesses and the American government.

To support Gov. Romney's business leadership, here is a quote from President Clinton:

 "The man who has been governor and had a sterling business career crosses the qualification threshold."


Young America is our FUTURE!

Principle Over Perception

There is a misconception that there is only stark differences between the two major political parties. That is far from the truth. In this current election there is a great deal of difference. That is the truth. There have been many issues where the parties agree but disagree on the implementation. A lack of understanding of the principles of a party leads to many misconceptions.

Democrats and Republicans do have similarities just as they have differences. Depending on the economic climate or the social issues of the time is where they either clash or cooperate with one another. In 1962 President J.F.K. gave a speech in which he said that:

"The federal government's most useful role is not to rush into a program of excessive increases in public expenditures, but to expand the incentives and opportunities of private expenditures"

"When consumers purchase more goods, plants use more of their capacity, men are hired instead of laid off, investment increases, and profits are high. Corporate tax rates must also be cut to increase incentives and the availability of investment capital."

These are two excerpts from that speech. But the most powerful statement was:

Our true choice is not between tax reduction on the one hand and the avoidance of large federal deficits on the other. It is increasingly clear that no matter what party is in power, so long as our national security needs keep rising, an economy hampered by restrictive tax rates will never produce enough revenues to balance our budget, just as it will never produce enough jobs or enough profits. Surely the lesson of the last decade is that budget deficits are not caused by wild-eyed spenders, but by slow economic growth and periodic recessions, and any new recession would break all deficit records. In short, it is a paradoxical truth that tax rates are too high today and tax revenues are too low. And the soundest way to raise the revenues in the long run is to cut the rates now."

J.F.K. is well-respected by Democrats and Republicans alike. He was not playing to his party but to the people and their need for growth. Dont assume that everything falls along party lines and things have never been differtent. If you do your resarch you will see that Southern Democrats became Republicans after Abraham Lincoln became president. There is always a shift. Realize that the perception presented does not alays connect to the principles that either or any party truly embody.

Lower taxes spurs job growth. That is not a republican tag line. J.F.K. proved that, as well as other presidents and leaders. Take the time to become truly informed because perception can be truly misleading.



Young America is our FUTURE!

Those Who Shine In The Dark

Warren Buffet made a comment in 2009 when asked about his feelings on the recession. He said that this is the time where new ideas, new businesses sprout. If you look back into history after facing tough economic times, there have been a plethora of new products, new technology and new entrepreneurs. I would have to agree with Mr. Buffett. I also agree that these are tough times, no lie.; but it is also a time where those who are rising stars SHINE!

When adversity appears those who are leaders, lead. When opposition rears it head, those who have courage, persevere. When the common avenues of opportunity are closed, those who have ambition, pave new roads. There have been more times than not when someone who has an idea has had to plant, water and nurture that idea by himself without assistance. That has never made a true entrepreneur shrink from accomplishing his dreams. Why now!? Why are those who have dreams and ideas shrinking from the moment? Yea, things are tough. But all hard work produces a profit. It really does! Every great idea didn't reach success on its first try. Einstein. A.G. Bell. Thomas Edison. Da Vinci. These guys spent there life continuously  pursuing their goals. In this "I want it now" generation hard work and patience holds no value. But they are of the greatest worth.

Dont be discouraged because opportunity isn't finding you. To be honest, it never has. You create opportunity. Hard work has always been paramount to success. It is the most important piece. If everyday we place attention and put forth effort to that goal, which is backed by passion and ambition, at the end of the week or month or year how much could have been accomplished? I will never tell someone to stop dreaming. I only charge you to start living. Live that dream. But if it doesnt have a foundation of  hard work, patience and consistency, it will never reach the ground and take off.


Young America is our FUTURE!

Attack The Disease, Not the Symptom

How many times in history have our elected officials passed a piece of legistlation that actually attacked the root of the problem instead of just chopping off a branch? Really!? This is a rare occurrence! FDR's New Deal! Reagonomics! Clinton/GOP Welfare Reform! These policies brought about true change. It wasn't the end-all-be-all, but it was the right start. With so many problems in American society, policies that only address symptoms will not bring about the true change America needs!

I am no economist, I would never claim to be, but I am a working, tax-paying American citizen. I pay taxes on my income and almost every item I purchase. I go to the gas pump every two or three days and buy groceries weekly.  I dont need a Masters of Business to see the decline in income and the increase in prices. I dont need a Criminal Justice degree to see that crime is increasing and the streets are not safer. I dont need a Bachelors of Education to notice the decline in the reading, science and math comprehension levels and increase in dropout rates. Or the increase in college tuition. You dont either! There are many more problems, but these are some of the major issues. What needs to be done to correct these problems? Who has the power to fix the real issues America is facing? Is it the 45th President? Is it the 113th Congress? Is it the local elected offiicials? Or is it the American citizens? I say its all of us!

Everyone has to play their part, but leadership is needed for a concentrated effort that will end in results. That leadership comes from the President, Congress, and local elected officials. They have to get the ball rolling. Then the citizens can follow suit. But the question has to be asked: Do those in power possess the character, intellect and resources to institute such a change? I really dont know! I want to believe so. I do! But I haven't seen that type of leadership in my lifetime. True leadership is not partisan. True leadership doesn't pander to the masses or corporate America. True leadership doesn't quit. True leadership is unmistakable. You know it when you see it. I just haven't seen it in my 25 years on this earth!

I will tell you this, if we, American citizens, conitinue to elect leaders who dont produce and neglect to hold them accountable we are as corrupt and responsible for our downfall as those with the title of leaders. If one doesn't wake up to this alarm and become a part of the solution, I dont know what is to be said of them. America needs everyone to particpate. Let's display the character that belong to this great country called America. Let's, in this most trying epoch, become more than our differences. Let's become more than our selfish pride. Let's become more than our political affiliation. Let's become American.


Young America is our FUTURE!

Those Who Affect Change

"Religion and Politics are two things you don't discuss." This has been said many, many times over. In my opinion it is said by those who either want  to quiet your own independent thought or those who are afraid of having to defend what they say they believe. In either case this does not lead to change. This allows the status quo to continue. Really ask yourself what is more important than religion and politics? What has a greater affect on society and men than these two? Nothing!

Those who are to be the catalyst for change have to be of a nature to affect the core components of civilization. Two of these core components are religion and politics. Reaching back into history one would find that the whole of civilization was based on religion. The tenets of that society's faith dictated the environment in which they  lived. America was founded on faith in the true and living God. There are many countries in present-day that are solely based on faith. This is not new, it is very much an old way of living. Politics dictates what will be a part of that society, how those tenets will be implemented and by whom. So if the foundation of a country is faith-based and politics is how these tenets are used and by whom, what can trump those in importance or relevance? I have yet to find out.

Allowing independent thought to be silenced by a superficial statement is total nonsense. And anyone who is silenced by such foolishness should feel ashamed. Sad to say there is a great deal of  people who should be ashamed by giving power to a powerless statement. To think on these matters, study and research is of great importance. To share and discuss this knowledge and different view points with peers and elders is priceless. We are all affected by these two components daily. To receive guidance and share thoughts is the only way growth can occur which is paramount to true change.

Change starts as a thought, then through action it comes to fruition. We have to think on these matters of religion and politics and act upon them. There is not one way or one right way. But there is evil in inaction, because change cant occur if that is to be the case. Don't let others think for you. By avoiding what matters you silence yourself and are equally responsible for the misconceptions and ill-judgements that comes from such.


Young America is our FUTURE!

This Poll, That Poll

There will be approximately $2 Billion plus spent on the 2012 presidential campaign. WOW! Thats alot of money. The presidential election must be of some importance if that much money is being spent. That amount tells you there is alot of people with interest in which candidate obtains office. Why that is of interest to them could be for many different reasons; good and bad.

These interest groups who have invested a great deal of money, time and energy are looking to influence the election. Not just with their money, but with other resources also. One is polling. Polling has become extremely popular in the last 40 years. There is a poll for everything. These polls are suppose to take the tempature on a certain issue or event. This can be good and bad. The polls only account for a small group of people though. There is this thought that these polls are computed with information from millions of people who have taken some type of survey. That is not the case. Most polls consist of 300 to 3,000 people. America has a population of approx 315 million people. With 100 million being likely voters. So how can a poll of 300-3,000 really tell the position of the whole country. Whether it is how Americans feel about Pres. Obama's job initiatives or the public's feeling on Mitt Romney's tax returns. These polls can be a source of misinformation.

Most people like to be on the winning side of a race. That is just human nature. When you have a poll telling you that one candidate is leading the other candidate by several points, that influences a potential voter. Even though this survey has only been taken by a select few, millions of potential voters will be fed this misinformation and factor that in to their voting. This is another part of the media's mainpulation of the voting process. Voters are very impressionable, for many different reasons. Most voters are not truly informed on most issues, beyond ones particular to their interest. Their main source of information comes from media outlets. These media outlets provide biased information. Every piece of info released through the media has been molded to present a certain view. That view is used to manipulate your perception of a candidate, party or issue. This has been going around for ages. It has not just occurred for the 2012 presidential race.

Be mindful of what you read and hear. The one who is providing this information has an interest to protect and that interest is more important than objective reporting. There are many liberal and conservative outlets. These groups take a lot of polls and skew the facts in their favor. Dont be fooled by a small sample survey. There is too much at stake and those who control where the information is coming from want you to support their interest. They hold no care for the betterment of our country.



Young America is our FUTURE!

Debate

Taking an objective eye to tonight's presidential debate, one would see a clear difference. A difference in ideology, perspective and speech. If one remembers Pres. Obama in the 2008 debates, his rhetoric and speech were totally different. He was confident, he exuded a great deal of know-how and energy. This debate, not so much. I ask why? Maybe because after four years as chief you have to be held accountable for what you have done, not what you say you will do. Romney has been a leader in business and government. We can judge him on his record. The same is being done to Mr. Obama. He strayed from using his record as the reason for re-election. I wonder why would someone avoid using his best weapon in battle. Tonight didn't decide who should be president, but it did give a glimpse of the difference in both men. The difference of what leadership is like when held against the light. Romney spoke from experience, used facts and spoke from a position of confidence in his policies. I cannot say the same for the president. He was shaky and wavered. He kept that smirk for most of the night but irritation and uncertainty reared its head toward the end. I charge everyone to really look at what both men bring to the table. Look at what America has and what America is lacking. Take those things into account and make a unselfish decision of who should lead this great country. What will be the greatest evil in this election is the vote of one who is lead by soundbites, a lack of information and manipulation by the media.

My name is Justin Austin and I approve this message.


Young America is our FUTURE!

Belief in America

The belief in America held by its citizens have become questionable. So many have developed this 'me attitude'. "It's all about I!" This is not productive or conducive to a healthy country. If we continuously focus on ourselves, how can we better our country?

What ways can we better our country? First starting with self is always the best. If an individual is going to concentrate on self, then he must do it where the outcome is for the greater good. Wanting to start a business is good. Wanting to start a family or buy a home is very good for self and country. These goals have two positive outcomes. It allows one to achieve personal goals and it also adds to those around them. Another way to better the country is take a role of influence. teaching, social services, public administration. There are many avenues available for one to impact society positively.

This 'me mentality' has never made a country stronger or more durable through international discord. We must bond together in perspective. That perspective being that by bettering our country, we better ourselves. There is much said about the top down, trickle down effect. It works. If we invest in America, the citizens will see the return. Our children will have better education, healthcare and economy. That perspective is key. Look at history, at those civilizations that have persevered  through adversity and became an empire.
The citizens of those empires believed in their country.

We have to believe in America. When we go to the polls to vote in November, think about the betterment of your country, which is a better life for you, your future and your family.

Young America is our FUTURE!

Presidential Character

There is an unspoken rule among voters about presidential character. A citizen has his own perspective of how a leader should be. His appearance, speech and mannerisms. His background and family. These things and more are all taken into account. Does is really matter? If so, how much and to whom?
 
 There is always someone on the payroll that observes and evaluates a presidential candidate's character, appearance, interaction and response. There is not a larger stage where these things have a bigger impact. If there is one tiny mishap the media is all over it and now the whole world knows. People who view the mishap from a media clip get a manipulated view of what happened. They then have a different perspective of that candidate. Not because the mishap couldn't have happened to them but that the mishap isn't suppose to happen to those running for office. Their not suppose to be human, at least not in that category. We all want someone we can relate to, but at the same time we want someone who is beyond the common mold. The emphasis placed on these types of things have become absurd.

Who sets the standard? Is it former presidents, the media or voters? I believe it is all of them. But each has a growing impact on the other. We take from former presidents examples of great character. The media creates a profile through repetitive broadcasting that shape the minds of voters. Voters take bits and pieces of information and relate that candidate to themselves and then forms some type of opinion. In this election class warfare has been the main topic. The character of the two have been displayed as polar opposites. Whether this is true or not is for the voters to decide. But as we all know voters are very impressionable. That's why all of those negative ads are published; to manipulate voters. Their truth is what they want you to know. Not only that, they want you to vote based on their perspective.

Information is the most important commodity on the planet. But if one cannot tell truth from lies than their lost. Every time someone tries to sell you something you have to decide whether its real or fake. Whether it benefits you or not. The same is true in this presidential election. You are being sold a leader. The character of these two men is very important, but how do you know what their true character is? Will you ever know? Probably not. I charge you to be prudent in your judgement of these men. Of what you see and hear. Don't let the manipulated view delivered by the media and negative attack ads be the reason you vote for either man.


Young America is our FUTURE!

What Matters To You

 Have you ever considered what matters to you? I mean really! Have you ever thought about what is important to you and why these things are priorities? Connect that with who holds the power to make those things happen. First and foremost, God is almighty and all powerful. But He does place men in certain positions of influence and power. How do these men affect your environment and priorities?

What does matter? That is a big question. There are many things to consider. A way to evaluate these priorities is to take a look at your life and see what you place value on. Faith? Family? Friends? Money? Work? A certain lifestyle? These would be primary priorities. Secondary priorities would be: Hobbies, Activities, and Vices. These are a few of many. The reason to observe these priorities is because humans have a common genetic impulse to protect what they have. Whether it's faith ,family, money or life. A lot of people would go above and beyond to hold on to those things.

Those who are in positions to affect those priorities either become your friends or your enemies. Whether literally or metaphorically. As a child you wanted acceptance among your peers and those who made that an obstacle were your enemies; those that helped to achieve that goal were your friends. That is how basic it was and still is. Apply that same principle to politicians and constituents. Those elected officials who want to change the standard that you have set for yourself and your family are your enemies; those who want to protect that standard are your friends. It's just that basic. But consider this:

There are approximately 315 million people in the United States.

By race: 71.% White; 13% Black; 16% Hispanic; 6% Asian.

By Age: 0-9 13%; 10-34 34%; 35-64 40%; 65&up 13%

There are many ways to breakdown the numbers. They will all show that we, as a nation, are very diverse. There cannot be a solo vision when selecting a leader of everyone, not just for yourself. Every individual needs to ask themselves: What does that country look like that promotes true opportunity, where a man can create, invest or accompany a dream to reality? Where one can practice their faith safely under the Bill of Rights. Where families build on each others work generation after generation or break off and make their own tradition. Where education is a top priority, not only in speech but in results. What does that country look like and what can I do to help build that country? Most importantly, you can be the change you want to see. Secondly, be wise in the selection of who you select as the rule makers.

It has been said by many people, many times over, that "All politicians are liars." I disagree. But if that were true, you have an opportunity to fire or re-elect every term. Its three forms of action: You voted for the lying politician. You voted against the lying politician. Or you didn't vote, which is even worse. You silenced your voice and your influence.  If they are liars you have proof of their record in government and you don't have to decide on words alone. If we fired the non-performers, politicians wouldn't have life long careers as legislators. Because those who didn't produce never returned to office. Yes, you need to think of how you can affect change as an individual. You also have to think of how as a uniformed body, we can affect change.



Young America is our FUTURE!

You're More Than You Think You Are

One of the biggest realizations of the 2008 Presidential election was that the Youth vote makes a difference. Wow! What a difference it made. 23 million Youth(18-29) voters actually voted. That was record setting.They were inspired by then-Senator Barack Obama. There wasn't a divide in who they voted for. It was overwhelmingly Democrat. No surprise. That's who catered to their emotions and perspective at that time.

 

How many of the 16.5 million Democrat Youth voters really knew how much they would impact and why they chose blue? Knowing why you choose is most important. Knowing the impact is essential also. Regardless of knowing their affect these Youth voters made history in more than one way. Just think of how a well informed, organized Youth block could impact local, state and federal elections. This is how the senior bloc, middle class bloc, or union bloc affect change. Organization and information. This is what the Youth bloc lacks. It has grown and gotten better, but lacks continuity. Something to look at would be the Senior impact on elections. They are a consistent bloc of voters. There are 39 million seniors eligible to vote. There are 46 million Young Americans eligible to vote. So why aren't we big players at the power table? We have the human capital. Young Americans makeup 24% of eligible voters. So why aren't we a main topic on the political agenda? We are not using our resources properly. We have great might, but very little initiative. We have the motivation. Its called OUR FUTURE! OUR CHILDREN'S FUTURE!

 

Get informed. Choose leaders with your vote. Hold them accountable. Take responsibility in your future.


Young America is our FUTURE!

I choose him? ok. but why?

 Knowing why your favorite color is red isn't very important. Knowing why you chose a candidate for president is. Its mind blowing that people spend more time researching their next cell phone than researching a presidential candidate's record. If someone asked why did you buy the IPhone 5 over the Samsung Galaxy, i bet that person could break down the options and coverage plan to the exact point. But if asked the difference between Romney and Obama, that person would reply with one is for the poor and the other is for the rich. That would be all.

We as a country havent made knowledge of governmental performance a priority. We respond in unity in the more extreme cases but in general its not near the top. If you have no knowledge of their performance, how can you hold them accountable? We rely on the manipulated information being spoon fed through the media. This has to stop. We need to select leaders on every level in government. That cant happen if we don't get informed and allow our perspective to be SOLELY shaped by the media. There is a phrase, "If you dont want people to know something, put it in a book." Some laugh. Some don't. It's funnny and it sad. People dont like to read. They dont like to be informed about politics, which affects so many areas of your daily lives. You dont have to be a professor to check out your local, state or federal government websites and see what has been going on. Check out new bills. See who represents you. See how he/she has been representing you. These things are a large part of the voting process.

If you owned a business and you were looking to hire an employee, would you make them fill out an application. Do a credit report. Drug screen. These necessary pre-employment checks share the same concept. You need to check out the candidates. See who you are choosing to lead you. Just because you don't think about who your elected officials are and how they are affecting your life, that doesn't mean that they aren't there making decision for you, your family and those around you.

Young America is our FUTURE!

Why Would He, How Could He?

         Why would a man born in a poor and drug filled city believe in the same principles of a mega-millionaire businessman? How could a young black man believe that a wealthy white man wants the best for him? Who is this guy and is he insane? He must want to be white, because he couldn’t be a true brother and think and feel this way.

            I grew up without very much and around those who were in the same boat. We didn’t look down on ourselves because as kids we didn’t know what much better was unless seen on tv. We had a lot of fun because kids can turn anything into a toy or a good time. And that’s exactly what we did. Politics was never a discussion, but when I did overhear anything it was always, "Republicans don’t like black people or poor people." There was never a reason why they didn’t. They just didn’t. I didn’t have any doctors or lawyers living in my community. I had hard working folks, welfare recipients, drug addicts and drug pushers. It was common to hear, "I’m just trying to survive." Or "I’m just trying to feed my kids." This was common. Very common. I never knocked those people. I believed them. So I started to have the same perspective. They looked like me. They were in the same environment. And they were my example. 

My education allowed me to gain exposure. I was always in advanced courses since elementary; surrounded by 98% of white kids. It was different to say the least. All blacks at home. All whites in class. I had a chance to see first-hand that there is no difference in race; there is only a difference in each man's character. I started to see that people tell you what they want you to know, whether they are black or white. That had always made me search out answers instead of just swallowing the next man's opinion. As I got older and found out more about myself and our country I was excited, shocked, disappointed, angry and enamored all at different times over my life. The truth was being held at a distance and people in positions of influence only wanted me to know what they thought was the truth instead of what really was and is. All of them didn’t lie to me but they didn’t teach me to find truth. They taught me to accept theirs. I was never comfortable with that. So I would research everything. I would not be led by opinion. At least not anymore.

                I never wanted to know everything. I just wanted to be able to make sense of things. "Why don’t Republicans like black people?" This question plagued me. I always thought I would be a Democrat, especially because blacks in America are born democratic. Or so I thought. I looked at what Democrats were doing and saying, and then I looked at what Republicans were doing and saying. I didn’t find that one group had superior character or knowledge. I found that the two groups had different perspectives and those perspectives affected my country, my community, my family and myself in different ways. I can’t tell you I broke down both parties philosophies down to an exact point but I found a way to compare them. I learned that Democrats believed in the government giving more to people. Republicans wanted the government to give less and for people to create their own fortune. It’s more to it but this is the general idea. I compared it to my community and family. There was a great deal of people, my family included, receiving government funds and services. That was a Democrat idea. I ate off the government and so did my friends. Republicans didn’t want that. If I stopped there then I would be on the Democrat side of ideas. But I asked the question: Why don’t Republicans want me to have food stamps? Can’t afford it. Abuse of services. People on welfare don’t usually graduate to higher financial status in life and usually stay where their comfortable and the government enables that behavior. I could understand the Republicans point of view. It was more people trying to hold onto where they are than become better than what they were. I can’t speak for everyone but growing up I didn’t hear much about the way out, except sports. I heard of how to maintain. That was the perspective: To Maintain! Government services helped maintain. And who provided that? Democrats. So Democrats didn’t help them to be more, they helped them to maintain. Republicans felt that the ambition had to be internal and manifest through hard work for someone to be better, not to just maintain. So I asked myself what is the role of government? To give? To create? To facilitate? According to Democrats it’s to give and create. According to Republicans it’s to facilitate. Which is better for the poor man? Depends on the poor man; does he want wealth, middle-class life or to just maintain where he is at.  

                Those are crucial questions for everyone: What do you want? How can you get it? And who can help you get it?

                Democrats will tell you that fairness is everyone having a house, college degree and full healthcare. Republicans tell you that the opportunity to have those things is fairness; but actually having those things is determined by a man's character, perspective, hard work and circumstances.

                To ask for a shot at a starting position on the field is fair. To be guaranteed a starting position is an entitlement. Everyone deserves a chance. Everyone doesn’t possess the talent to start. But there is a role for everyone on the field. It may not be the one you dreamed about but the road of life is paved with hard work. Dreaming may give you a direction, but it’s just not enough on its own.

 
Young America is our FUTURE!