Letter to the Editor: Our voice, our future
TO THE EDITOR:
There are two sources of power in the political process: money and people. When the people don’t participate, money takes over. As students—as well as millennials—we are the next generation in line to lead this world. It’s no secret, the current state of our society and education system is not one that is favorable to us, nor is it one that we should accept—it has failed us.
With today’s environmental devastation, corrupted politics, corporate greed, social injustices and economic ills coming to fruition, we must ask ourselves: is this really the future we want? Our generation has no problem with being unique, standing out and exerting our time and energy when it comes to fashion, music, technology and new fads. However, when it comes to fulfilling our civic duties, millennials are nowhere to be found. The bottom line question is: Do we just inherit this world? Do we just keep repeating history? Do we just continue to let past generations make decisions for us? Or do we want to write our own history?
The clock is ticking and I can’t think of a better time than now for us to start writing. I know many of you may feel your vote or voice doesn’t matter and I know that our political system, public officials and even school administrators can be very disheartening, but we cannot give up, otherwise they will continue to walk all over us like they do today. When we all participate, great, positive changes do happen. But remember, the key word is participation. The corporations and the wealthy may have the money, but we have the number. When we don't get out to vote and engage in citizen activism, we let those who don't work for the people—but for corporate interests—take seat. While remaining silent, we are only adding to the problem.
By 2020, millennials will account for 40 percent of the voting population. If we don't speak up, how do we expect those in power to address our issues? Our generation has the power to change the social agenda, give voice on the economic policies that will affect our future, have our say on environmental and social issues, shape foreign policy and fix our broken education system. There are more than 75 million millennials, a number that rivals the number of baby boomers. The only problem is that college students typically vote in much smaller numbers than older citizens. Mobilized, millennials represent a powerful political force. If you don't think we matter, then you're wrong.
If we want to see change, then we must be the change. It isn’t just going to be handed to us. We must stand up and fight for what we believe in. Through voting, civil disobedience, being active in our communities and speaking up—we will be heard. We must rise up as one.
TIM MINOTAS
Junior
Oakland Township
