Many young voters who were part of the voting success of President Obama were drawn to his candidacy because of his openness and promise to support issues that directly impact our lives.
Those issues include fixing the current health-care system, ending the wars, and fixing the economic disaster caused by those who were too big to fail, but who need to be regulated so we don't fail. While it is tempting to give up in the face of promises that have not been kept, more of the same is not an acceptable alternative.
The most important tool at our disposal is information. We have the power to educate ourselves, by reading what our legislators are actually saying and doing. Write or call your representatives when they support your positions and especially when they do not. If the issue you care about is not mentioned, then make that representative aware of your concerns. You can do this online in most cases. Make sure you have a clear message and that it's short and to the point.
Most dissatisfied students and recent graduates have an opinion about health care. But how many students are aware that, despite all the rhetoric and media "sound bites," the actual bill includes two elements important to students? They are:
Children will be able to stay on their parents' health insurance until they are 26. There is a provision that would take student loans away from the banks and lending institutions and have government run them.
So what do student loans have to do with health care?
Nothing, but it helps your mental health that repayment of the loans will at least be manageable. For college graduates entering a bleak job market, these two provisions give us some economic relief.
There's always more you can do. If you are satisfied with your representative, you can offer your support as an intern or with their re-election campaign. If you are not satisfied with your representative, you can help another candidate who speaks to your needs.
Democracy is not a spectator sport. It provides an opportunity for individuals to make their concerns known. It also makes you more informed and interesting.
Civic and political participation is the lifeblood of a democracy. It is our right and our responsibility to make sure that the people we vote into office represent our concerns.