Rock the Trail Blog

Young Voters Elect Obama

2008-11-05T12:18:00.002-05:00

Wow... I'm amazed and grinning from ear to ear. Young voters put Obama over the top in Florida, Ohio, Virginia, and Colorado. Colorado - specifically, took out an incumbent Republican US Senator, and a conservative Representative as well as electing a very young Congressman in Boulder.

This will be the beginning of some amazing youth power in this country.

From the very very early traditionally unreliable exit polls we show young voters favor Obama 68 - 30% and make up 18% Share of the Electorate. By contrast - and this is in no way a competition or anything 65+ voters were 16% of the share.

Share numbers, however, are bad bad numbers to go by because they belittle the actual numbers and don't look at increases or decreases. So, while these are good numbers to look at early on, examining a share isn't where we should focus.

CIRCLE released data showing young voters are chose Obama by 38 percentage points - towards the upper end of all the polling we saw this year.

" Young voters preferred Obama

Young voters diverged sharply from the population as a whole, preferring Obama/Biden over McCain/Palin by 68% to 30% in the NEP. This is by far the highest share of the youth vote obtained by any candidate since exit polls began reporting results by age categories in 1976. In past elections from 1976 through 2004, young voters diverged by an average of only 1.8 percentage points from the popular vote as a whole. 2004 had set the previous record for an age gap."

This election was hands down won because of young voters who pushed major swing states over the top. Without them Obama would not have won Iowa and he wouldn't have won last night.

Only HOPE!

2008-11-05T01:11:00.003-05:00

The day went well. As I still attend class. The weather was very peculiar but I was very happy of what is going down. I helped organize the biggest event in Northland College History and we had musical performances. And then we saw the election live! More than enough people Voted! Which is amazing!

The best feeling was that people literally rocked the Vote! They went outside and went inside the polls and enjoyed working on that privilege.

The President Elect is: BARACK OBAMA

2008-11-05T00:41:00.005-05:00

Riding down the street to cover the election watch party held by the McCain campaign I heard screaming and shouts coming from cars. Horns were being held, people were hanging out of their cars and "change" was chanted. I knew at that very moment: Barack Obama won the election.

Racing to my computer to get the breaking news, I was side tracked by Young Jeezy's song, "My President is Black." I don't know if he foreshadowed something many didn't see, but what ever the circumstance is Barack Obama won and many people are going crazy nationwide.

In CNN's projection, Obama won 338 to McCain's 155 electoral vote.

History has been made. It will be a night of celebration for most.

" The dream is still alive," one person chanted. A text message fled my inbox saying: "Rosa sat so King could march. King marched so Obama could run. Obama ran so you can fly.

Weather you were for McCain or Obama, change begins with you. Put on your gear and fly to your own destination. Make this term about you...the people. The government should be for the people and by the people, and it will be with your help.

Country first or last. Change good or bad....You make it happen.

Election Coverage at Florida State University (FSU)

2008-11-04T20:57:00.005-05:00

Check out the footage I gathered from Florida State University.

The youth voice is powerful this election season and the young voters in this piece gives you a piece of their mind!

It's Like A Parade- North Minneapolis Stand Up!!

2008-11-04T20:36:00.003-05:00

Photos by B FRESH Photography

12:30 p.m. On our way to Minneapolis, Robina Rai and I saw MN Senate candidate Al Franken and his rock star bus on Dale in St. Paul, so we stopped for a quick chat. He told us that young people need to know that the system will work, despite the last 8 years of the Bush administration.

1:00 p.m. Rene Brasseur and Diane Tran, from Smoke-Free Dakota, an organization working around smoking issues in workplace, have come to volunteer at the Capri Theater in North Minneapolis, serving as headquarters for the Election Day Community Coalition get-out-the-vote efforts. The duo’s daily work involves getting people engaged and educating the community, so this partnership was a match made in heaven.

2:00 p.m. Jennifer Risen of Every Child Matters greets volunteers at the registration table. The Election Day Community Coalition is a non-partisan coalition that has been working tirelessly to get people involved and out to the polls today. The coalition is made up of over 30 organizations, including the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) of MN, Family and Children Services, The Urban League, The League of Women Voters, and the Joint Religious Coalition, among many others.
Risen tells a volunteer that going out canvassing, or “face-to-face contact” as she says, “is the number one most effective way to get people out to vote.” Their efforts today include poll watching, visibility, canvassing and phone calls.

3:00 p.m. Outside, the mother and daughter tag-team, Amber English and Freddie Davis-English, who are currently living in Plymouth, Minnesota, just returned from doing visibility. They went to a busy intersection on Broadway with the sign “Voting Questions? Ask Me” and people were pulling over to tell them they voted, and someone even did a U-turn to ask a question. The craziest question came from a man who needed to register today, and he only had his mortgage statement, that was addressed to a P.O. Box, which wouldn’t be sufficient identification, because the mail needs to verify residency at a specific address. MN is one state that has same day registration.

Freddie recalled being at the University of Minnesota during the election of Jimmy Carter, and the energy that she experienced. Nothing compares to the energy she felt among young people today, November 4, 2008. She and her daughter believe more voter education needs to be done, especially around the fact that you can’t vote in any precinct you want.

4:00 p.m. Ty McCoy, Shortybuff, William Hambrick, AKA Big Chop and Lawrence Battles pose in front of Clipper Cuts Barber Shop on Broadway in North Minneapolis. Shortybuff, recognized that the people in the neighborhood are smiling and happy, but he asks the rhetorical question, “How long?” He passionately follows up, “We are a threat when we are united as one” but his colleague said that he thinks everything will be fine tomorrow.

Ty, a barber at the shop says, “I am not for black/white, but for what’s right.” The barbershop didn’t just jump on the Election Day bandwagon today, but have had the voting signs for months now. People actually have mistaken the shop for the Obama headquarters down the street.

Barbershops across the country serve an important role in the community. Clipper Cuts has been a one-stop shop for everyone’s needs, hair and otherwise. Not only can you get your hair lookin’ right, but you can learn how to vote, talk about your relationship issues, and find counsel in the barbers. Oftentimes, the barbershop serves as a first-stop for people getting out of lockup. When you get out, you want to get your hair and clothes right, and you, in turn, get the right information about felonies and voting, which is different from state to state.

5:00 p.m. I head screams coming from people standing in the streets: “This is the day to celebrate!!” and holding signs that said ‘VOTE TODAY.’ A car passed by with a cardboard Obama hangin’ out the sunroof. Local elementary students who just got out of school lined the street holding voting signs.

Dawn Davis, Chief Operating Officer of Emerge Community Development, a non-profit organization trying to get people out to vote, yelled, “Vote today” on the microphone as cars passed by on Broadway. Honking was coming from every direction. The mood was intense!

6:00 p.m. Robina Rai and Judy Takkunen volunteered as poll watchers at Phyllis Wheatley Community Center, in North Minneapolis’ Precinct 7, Ward 5. They ran out of same day voter registration cards, so the judges ordered more from the headquarters. Robina stopped a man who leaving the premise that was challenged by the election judges about his registration. She got him the right information and he was able to vote. Her adventures at the community center also led her to meet a 41 year old first time voter. She reflects, “A lot of first-time, immigrant voters were so excited and feeling very satisfied, having a smooth voting experience.”

Alex Bajwa, a challenger for the Obama Legal Team, shared with me that this particular polling location site was having “phenomenal turnout” and that “no one had been turned away.” There were more new registrants voting than old registrants, hence running out of registration cards.

7:00 p.m. The polls are starting to roll in, as polling sites have closed in 24 states. The activities at the Capri Theater are starting to come to a close.

I still hear the excitement outside, with people saying, “It’s like a parade!” Cars rolled around the hood all day, bumpin’ music with signs taped to ever side of the vehicle. I have never seen energy like this around an election. This will be an election of a lifetime, but I hope the energy sticks around.

Cusp of Revolution....

2008-11-04T14:38:00.008-05:00

I’m in the hotel room. Things here are still. Last night at the Tenacious D and Beastie Boys' show people kept saying “I cant believe tomorrow is the day!’’ Well, now tomorrow is today and no mater how you look at it America we are on the cusp of revolution...thousands of us have already voted and some have waited in "star wars" like line’s just to get to the voting booth. And today thousands more will.

Some events like 911 and Katrina, really made us look at ourselves deeply to the core, as who we are as a nation and who we want to be. I think to day will be one of those days…

This morning Obama and McCain woke up just like you and I and tonight one of them will go to sleep having made history…how exciting!

DonnY-

Young People In Full Force- Minnesota Represent!!!!

2008-11-04T13:20:00.007-05:00

November 4, 2008

Photos by B FRESH Photography

7 a.m. At the University Avenue bus stop in St. Paul, Minnesota, Robina Rai continued her Get Out the Vote (GOTV) efforts from the night before. She is not a citizen, but has been active in the 2004, and now, the 2008 elections with the League of Young Voters, or as they say in the Twin Cities, the League of Pissed Off Voters. She took the number 16 from St. Paul to downtown Minneapolis, getting off at the University of Minnesota campus and Nicollet Mall, making sure people are getting out to vote, and are informed about the candidates. The League put together voter guides for cities across the country, which can be found online at www.theballot.org.

8 a.m. Nellie Brau, on her way to class to take a test, chose to represent her excitement about this year’s election with her American flag scarf. Zubair Saiyed was campaigning on a busy corner of campus for Obama, letting people know he thinks MN needs change. All over town, people on their way to class and work were greeted with the morning dew, and political flyers from the previous night’s “Midnight Madness” flyering efforts.

9 a.m. On Nicollett Mall, Malissa Mallory, a special education teacher who was recently laid off, was on her way to get health insurance, vote and then go volunteer and make sure people are getting out to vote today.

9:30 a.m. Deangelo Jacox was on his way to school at Studio 4/High School for Recording Arts. He is not old enough to vote yet, but can’t wait until the next election.

10:00 a.m. Franklin Delano- Nothing is an anarchist who believes people can organize and make change, even without a leader. He might vote today for the State Referenda on Clean Water, Wildlife, Cultural Heritage & natural Areas (AKA Vote Yes Minnesota), but he will not be voting for any individual person.

10:30 a.m. Robina makes her way back to University Avenue and gets off the bus at the Plasma Services building, where a line has formed to donate plasma for money. She makes her way up the line, making sure people know where to vote and that they can register at the polls today, because MN has same day registration. Today, she will also be poll watching with the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) in Minneapolis. The ACLU is part of a coalition of organizations that are making sure everything runs smoothly across the country today.

11:00 a.m. I finally make it to my voting location to cast my ballot. This is what I have been working towards for months and months. I can’t wait until this day is over, so I don’t have to see another nasty political advertisement on TV. I got my sticker, and checked out the ballot where kids can vote, too!

I Voted

2008-11-04T13:02:00.005-05:00

Great Voting Experience!

Lawrence, Kansas! Rock Chawk go Barack - one voter told me

Number 156

2008-11-04T10:15:00.004-05:00

In the small town of Ashland, WI , I was number 156 to VOTE! I had a smile from cheek to cheek and it felt amazing. I along with 2 other Northland College student first time voters were ecstatic about VOTING! The way I feel cannot compare to any other feeling I have had in my lifetime. As I darkened the bubble of the future president of the United States, I knew that I was living history as we know it. I know, I know, I have been saying that for almost every time, but I know that the time has come. The journey of the campaigns, the journey of the message and the journey of the politicians comes to an end today. I must say that it made me very happy to see the about 9 parties running for Presidency. I was really excited to see 2 Latino names in that ballot. The most important thing is that this journey has only just begun! Especially for this next generation! And so I tell you to VOTE! Don't let anyone tell you otherwise. When you VOTE, you vote for me, for your best friend, for your mom and dad, for your brothers and sisters. You vote for your community! Voting is your Right.... it is your DUTY!

Sarah Palin: A "Rogue Diva"?!

2008-10-29T14:47:00.011-04:00

It's obvious that anyone who spends $150,000 on clothes is classified as a Diva, but is Sarah Palin--vice presidential nominee--really a diva?!

Sure she wears expensive clothes on the campaign trail, but the vice presidential hopeful says that they are nothing more than a hookup from the RNC. The VP has to be styling and profiling in the latest and most expensive fashion in order to get the respect of conservative America?

So what makes her a diva? One of Sen. John McCain's advisers described Palin as 'going rogue,' while another said "She is a diva. She takes no advice from anyone."

I wouldn't either if the advice I've been given only pushed me further away from the White House. So I guess it's wrong to go off script?! Other than it possibly hurting a candidate's campaign, that's not a bad thing. I think it's more important that we know what the candidates have to say (in their own words) rather than letting high skilled writers and political science experts speak for them. It would deepen our country in another eight years of disaster if we find out that the candidates only know what they've been scripted on. I think it's good for a candidate to veer off of the script every once and a while. You must defend your territory and what you know in your heart to be true. After all, there's only a few more days to get the message out--their own message that is.

Drop a line and let me know what your definition of a diva is. The media already told us there's.

Image courtesy of Foxnews.com

More Than the Presidency

2008-10-28T13:40:00.002-04:00

The sad fact of every election is drop off. No, it's not that disease that happens when your arm falls off. Drop off is when people only vote in the presidential race, ignoring everything else on the ballot. Many people each election either don't know who the other candidates and propositions are, or don't feel they are educated enough to make a decision.

This has to stop. What good is it to only focus on the presidency and ignore the local issues and politicians who have a day-to-day impact on your life?

So some folks at the ACLU Foundation in California have started a non-partisan campaign to connect with young voters and ask them to pledge that they will "go all the way" (no pun intended) on November 4.

This week the ACLU Foundation launched a Facebook Application that I am a big fan of, as well as a website and SMS campaign where people can text their pledges to friends.

The best part is the chance to win a free Nintendo Wii if you recruit tons of people to the application.

Onward Oregon, in conjunction with the Bus Project, is also encouraging folks to Fill Out Your Whole Ballot by asking for a pledge:

"As excited as we all are by the Presidential and Senate races, here in Oregon we have some very important local races, the outcomes of which are likely to have a profound impact on the direction our state takes. Each of your votes is important, and participation becomes critical the further “down” the ballot you look."

At their website Whole Ballot, anyone from any state can sign up to pledge to vote the whole ballot online.

The same is true for the League of Conservation Voters in Oregon who published this recent video assuming success for Obama and reminding voters that the new president will need "a team behind him":

Also, in a poem to young voters, vlogger Jay Smooth recently admonished folks against getting overwhelmed by the pre-election excitement, only to drop the ball on election day:

I assume that ya'll know what you're doing because you read Wiretap. Therefore, you should pledge today! Friends don't let friends drop off.

March on Wanish

2008-10-25T10:27:00.000-04:00

Historically black Florida A&M University hosted a non-partisan march to the capital for early voting on Monday.

The campus gathered early that morning to began the 1.5 mile walk to the Tallahassee capital.

The event displayed a high level of youth involvement, and proved that the youth vote and the youth voice is important in this election season. The march on Wanish Street to the Capital would not have been a success without the dedication of youth from Florida State University, Tallahassee Community College and Florida A&M University.

The walk empowered the youth movement and gave hope to many unsure registered voters. Once more, the three campuses marched together to make an historic event happen in the Capital city that never had youth dominate the polls.

Unity+Voting=Change in our nation. Well, at least in my formula book. lol

To all college campuses, I encourage a similar movement that would inspire youth to team up and go to the polls together. No matter who you vote for, your vote is important. Neither candidate can win without your help.

Feel free leave a comment about what you and your campus is doing during the early election period.

Students face HUGE obstacles when Voting and Registering

2008-10-23T13:40:00.003-04:00

This morning Matthew Segal from the Student Association for Voter Empowerment" was on CNN talking about some of the challenges Students face and the rights that need to be protected for young voters. He also addresses the atrocious actions by the County Clerk in Virginia and El Paso, Colorado who attempted to disenfranchise students, and fliers that are geared to suppress the youth vote.

Like the Highlander, there can only be one.

2008-10-22T14:52:00.001-04:00

Can you feel excitement? It’s the forth quarter and the pace of the
game is now feverish. I can’t go in to a restaurant or bar with out
overhearing heated debates about the election.
Men and woman screaming at each other over appetizers and beers trying
to convince the opposition of their candidates supremacy while trying
not choke on their food.
Looking back on this knock down, drag out election season -- at times
it felt like it would never end. The twists and turns were many the
journeys, unprecedented. But now the finish line is in sight. The
Bible says the journey is not to the swift nor the battle to the
strong but he who endure, and John McCain and Barack Obama have done
just that. Endured and rose to the top, but just like the Highlander,
there can only be one.
A lot of people in this country are looking for some help, for a pinch
of light in the darkness, just enough light to see one foot step in
front of the other. And I hope one of theses men can provide that
light. They both have promised a lot of things that seem close to
impossible. So, some level of a let down should be expected.
But how big? Which one of theses guys can stick to his guns enough to
make the ‘Change’ we have heard soooooo much about in this election
cycle? We can afford to get this one wrong America; we have a lot to
think about.
DonnY-

The Blame Game!!!!

2008-10-15T21:48:00.003-04:00

As I am watching the Debate, along side undecided Voters, the students are realizing that this debate has become a game of who blames each other better!!! As some of the students laugh because of the way the candidates are answering the questions, some of the undecided voters are leaning torward Obama as they see that McCain is "trying real hard to make Obama look rediculous" some debate watchers stated. As we see the Voters watch the last of the Debate they are thinking about who they are going to Vote for! Stay tuned as I ask some of the Northland College Students about the debate and what they thought! Who they are going to vote for and why!

Obama Reaping the Bradley Effect?

2008-10-15T12:50:00.005-04:00

Senator Obama is dancing circles at the polls around Senator McCain, but many of his supporters fear the Bradley effect may leave him dancing to the beat of his own drum.

The Bradley effect is named after, Tom Bradley, a former African-American Los Angeles Mayor who ran for California governor in the ‘80s.

The exit polls showed Bradley was leading by a sizable margin until the reality of politics set him up for a heartbreaking loss to Republican George Deukmejian.

The messed up theory about the Bradley effect was that some Californians, who didn’t want to appear racist, said they voted for Bradley even though they didn’t.

It wasn’t until the election was said and done that people revealed their true color and intentions on misleading the election outcome.

Are the recent poll stats another example of the Bradley effect??? Let me know what you thinking because history does have a tendency of repeating itself.

There could also be an opposite result like the Wilder effect. The Wilder effect was named after Douglass Wilder, a former Virginia governor who led and the polls and still won, but by a one-tenth of a lead. Regardless of the figures, the man still won.

Which effect do you think Obama will take on???

Images courtesy of CNN.COM

Kansas Senate Candidate Does Youth tour

2008-10-15T00:09:00.002-04:00

Jim Slattery, candidate for the U.S. Senate in Kansas, unveiled a new $5,000 college tuition tax cut last week.

"Few investments are more important than ensuring every young person who aspires to attend college has the opportunity," Slattery said.

Slattery said the cost of attending college has skyrocketed.

"Tuition at Pittsburg State has increased 75 percent in the last five years," Slattery said.

In order to pay the increased tuition rates, more students are taking out student loans that are difficult to pay back in the current economy.

"Students are becoming increasingly burdened by student loan debt," Slattery said. "On average, a student owes nearly $20,000 when they graduate."

I was honored to receive unvetted access to follow Slattery along on his tour talking with him as well as other students interested in his plan as well as other important issues this election. Slattery spent time answering questions in townhall style meetings as well as a special candidate forum hosted by the popular site 18 in 08.

20/20 Says Young Voters too Stupid to Vote

2008-10-14T18:04:00.004-04:00

Last Friday evening, the long running television news show 20/20, headed by Barbara Walters, aired a show titled Maybe It's Your Civic Duty Not to Vote, reported by John Stossel. The piece focuses on a group of young voters who appear to be ill-informed about the going-ons of government and politics and Stossel believes that because they don't know the number of senators in a given state that they should not be allowed to vote. You can see a preview of the video posted here on Yahoo Videos (or to the right).

Thoughts like this are similar to the literacy tests that were requirements in the late 1800's to vote as a means of disenfranchising millions of African American voters. When the Voting Rights Act was passed it made practices like literacy tests, poll taxes, and "good character" were finally declared illegal. It seems Mr. Stossel might like to return to those days.

Featured in the report is the band the Disco Biscuts and the organization HeadCount, which has worked hard to register hundreds of young voters at live music events officially registered. Concert goers were the young people featured as "too stupid to vote." There is now a vibrant discussion on their site where one of the young people featured expresses his displeasure of being quoted out of context:

"Yeah, I got fucked. I'm the second incorrect answer to rowe vs. wade or whatever. I mean let's get serious. I'm a graduating college student who answered all of the question correctly except that one and what state is John McCain from. That shit was slandered as fuck. It was kinda funny seein myself on that shit though. The funnier part is that right after I watched it I asked the like ten people sitting around me if they new what that case was and only one person knew it. Fuck the editor of that clip."

While the piece runs "stupid answers" by voters their focus is all about young people and that they should do their "civic" duty and not vote. The problem with the segment is that it also included older voters who were just as ill-informed. Oops! Seems they lost their thesis.

There are also allegations by a young women in the piece (appearing at 1:20 mins) who answers that there are "12 US Senators." The same woman later says that she she was responding to a question about how many US Supreme Court Justices there are.

According to an interview with Marc Brownstein at HeadCount the reporters went through many people who were giving correct answers. Some were educated on some things and not educated on others, and volunteers, activists, and teachers in the crowd were also those most educated about issues. They didn't make the report. Brownstein also says that his important plug for the non-partisan voter guides HeadCount distributes was cut out of the piece.

John Stossel, by contrast, is a frequent contributor to the conservative blog Townhall.com and a self proclaimed Libertarian. Here is another link, to his own Wikipedia page that has further accounts of other reports he has done where he takes people out of context.

20/20 continues to support the piece and has yet to refute any of these claims. There has also yet to be any statement from Barbara Walters or producer Andrew Sullivan.

However, young folks have responded. The Bus Federation, which organizes groups hosting Trick or Vote this Halloween, has done their own mock voter report:

To express your displeasure to Andrew Sullivan you can contact him at Andrew.G.Sullivan [at] abc [dot] com, and you can also contact Barbara Walters through The View's site here.

Round Two!

2008-10-08T13:09:00.003-04:00

The thing that strikes me the most about the debates is how nerve
racking it is to sit and wait for someone to put their foot in their
mouth. If the first debate was boring and the second one was
lackluster, this one was the firestorm we all were waiting for. McCain might have done it when he called Obama "that one" during Tuesday night’s debate! At the time, I didn't think much of it, but as soon as
the debate ended the media hopped on the McCain slip and I’m sure they
will ride that wave for a while.

These guys have to be so tired. I’m surprised they don’t slip up more
often. I know when I’m tired I cannot be held accountable for the
things I say. I hope McCain didn’t have any ill intent with his
comment, though I’m sure the tape of it will be played over and over!
One more debate to go and I got to say: I can’t wait. When theses guys
seem to be sick of each other and a bit agitated, it is recipe for
great TV!

Donny-

FACT-CHECK: VOTING MISINFORMATION

2008-10-08T09:50:00.000-04:00

The nation is under chaos with all the misinformation circulating about voting Nov. 4th.

This election is the most historic and most talked about election of all time. More young people than ever are expected to hit the polls. Well, at least all those who have not been influenced by the hype that if you wear any presidential paraphernalia or if your current address doesn’t match your county’s election headquarters’ database, then you can’t vote.

Let the facts speak for itself. This year fact-checks have become a part of every major media. I think it’s only fair that we get the accurate, latest news on what’s the deal with issues that may or may not hinder eligible voters from voting.

Question 1: If I wear an Obama or McCain shirt, will they turn me away from the polls?

The Word: Many people have received e-mails and Facebook messages stating that if any clothing is worn with political advertisement to the polls it may prevent you from voting.

Fact: There is no federal law stating that a person can or can’t wear paraphernalia to the polling place, however, certain cities have restricted campaign material 50 to 150 feet near a precinct.

Best advice: Call your local supervisor of elections to determine what can or can’t be worn.

Question 2: I recently moved and my address is different than my voter’s registration information. Can I still vote?

The Word: Many states are adopting a law similar to Florida’s “No Match, Not Vote.”

Fact: Not true. Many people believe what e-mails, television and radio announcers are saying. If your driver’s license address and your home address don’t match, you can still vote.

Best Advice: It’s best to make corrections before Nov. 4. If you don’t, you will not be penalized, but it will be very hectic when trying to make those changes at the polls.
Precinct changes for most states can be made up until voting days. If your address is different that your voter records, then you will have to vote at the precinct in which you now live.

So that’s the scoop on what’s going on. If you have anything you feel may be misinformation that may prevent people from voting, then drop a line and I’ll be sure to clear it up.
I can’t stress how important voting is. Don’t let misinformation deter you from voting. Millions of young people (under 18) dream of voting, but can’t do so. We are their voice and the future voice for a “now” society. Get my gist???? VOTE

Image courtesy of webchannel24.com

Generation We

2008-10-07T11:16:00.000-04:00

Writer Eric Greenberg pulled together the results of over eighteen months of research, polls and focus groups to prove one thing: the Millennial Generation is a force to be reckoned with. Through his new book, and a website, Greenberg is harnessing the thoughts and energy of a younger generation.

GenWe was Greenberg's project to help the Millennial Generation empower itself against much scrutiny. Speaking with US News, he said:

"They are not a 'me' generation; they are the 'we' generation," he says. "They are about the greater good," he adds, noting that they're really jazzed up about the environment and the energy crisis. Armed with his huge study, he's urging both presidential campaigns to focus on one mega-idea the kids endorsed; an Apollo-style approach to the energy crisis."

According to the extensive data in GenWe there are between 95 and 100 million people born between 1978 and 2000, and now more than ever those over 95 million young people are united around the same political issues and visions.

The book also makes the case that Millennials are:

Dedicated to improving the common good over individual gain, a sentiment that crosses all racial, ideological and partisan lines.
Reject fundamental principles of modern conservatism –primary focus on individual rights and trickle down economics.
Welcome innovation and are eager to establish a new. paradigm

Greenberg describes many of the issues our world faces today, such as the climate crisis, are of importance for younger folks. These issues span across parties, races, genders, and location. According to the book, Republicans and democrats agree on these issues 85 percent of the time.

"Youth don't realize they have more in common with each other than anything else," Greenberg said in a phone interview. "They have a balance of power in the world more than anyone else, and collectively have a lot of power globally."

He urges Millennials not to put off these problems until tomorrow.

The presidential election is only the first step. The second step is encapsulated on the website that gives young voters and organizations practical organizing tools, from fifteen minute activism to weekend projects and legislation.

I haven't made my way all the way through the book, but had to write about it because what I have read is exactly the thing we needed to prove to ourselves, major donors, and mainstream media that we are doing important political work.

Crossposted from Wiretap

Don't Vote

2008-10-06T09:42:00.000-04:00

Great new PSA about voting tons of hilarious celebs

See more funny videos and funny pictures at CollegeHumor.

In many places the deadline to vote is Saturday - in 35 states is Monday, and some its Tuesday. So, ensuring you're registered is key.

Its Going to Happen

2008-10-01T11:23:00.006-04:00

Today is the last day of September, and in two days the Vice-President Debate will take place in St.Louis, Missouri. I am really excited for this debate as well because its another chapter in the books. Last week I was interviewed by FOX 21 News and they asked me what I was looking forward in this Election and basically why I was going to vote. I told them that no matter what happened in this election I just hope that the president really steps up his game. I want a president that will fight for the people and not against the people. I want a president that will help us save rather than help us spent. I want a president that I can ultimately trust so that I don't hide in emotional distress.

The reporter actually told me to specify my passion for politics, and they found kind of wierd that a 19 year old actually was passionate about politics, and to be honest with you, I never really knew that I was really into politics until September 11 happen. So I explained to her the process of how I got involved in political youth movements and how politics for me is a piece of bread in the morning. I also realized that in my culture, there are not that many of us that are really involved in these movements, because we are scared of judgements.

"It is hard to handle my life right now," I told the reporter, because of the mere reason that I love creating change but it is hard when you have all these policies to follow created by society and or social structure. She could not believe those words were coming out my mouth. Overall the interview went very well. She was so supportive, something I needed.

After this past weekend I could not believe what I had witnessed. And I probably still can't. When I came back to school people were really excited to talk about the debate. It was so great to tell them how it was and what I had witnessed. I told them how I wished my friends were there to witness it with me.

The policies that Obama and McCain disscussed were asked very directly and well. But to be honest it surprised me, and this is from my personal opinion, that they were just blaming each other. That reaction did not just come from me but a lot of the viewers as well. Obama still thinks we are not safe, but now thinks we should send more troops to Afghanistan, and McCain thinks that we should send more troops to Iraq. Well at least that is what I got from it. I know that the debates are going to get better , as it winds up to November 4. But let's see this thursday how it all works out for Joe Biden and Sarah Palin.

Muchas Gracias y Adios!

Obama Waffles and Border Patrol Socks, that is the question.

2008-09-29T11:15:00.001-04:00

You might have already caught wind of the "Obama is My Slave Ts," "Obama Waffles" or heard about the Border Patrol infant socks Old Navy is selling. To some, the blatant racism expressed in these products is nothing new. To others, this "new racism," a racism that functions freely and is embedded in almost all aspects of society, is not familiar. The "old racism" in the form of lynchings and cross-burning was more obvious. Now, we have kick our critical thinking skills into full attention to really understand the complexity of race relations in the world we live in.

Mark Whitlock, co-creator of the Obama Waffles, says that he had no racist intentions in his creation of the product. "We set out to do three things: to be entrepreneurs, to use the free market to create a product to provide for our families and to have fun, all the while talking about the issues, that Obama waffles on the issues," said Whitlock. So does simply not intending to be racist let you off the hook? Not so fast Mark Whitlock. Let's ask a couple of critical questions. You wanted to make a political point, correct? Obama "waffles" on the issues. Very clever. Does enhancing his lip and ear size and putting a turban on him make your political point more clear? Does it drive home your point? I don't really see the connection.
You go shopping, and happen to come across a pair of socks for your baby brother. Cute. They got little helicopters on them. Wait, let's give Old Navy a second to give us the sales pitch: “Fun socks feature military inspired embroidery sure to have your little man transforming everything he can get his hands on into an aerial assault vehicle capable of unstoppable fire power only to be used in the defense of the defenseless." First, why do we need to be associating anything related to "assault" into the wardrobe of a growing child? And not to mention the perpetuation of violence. Then, that they are called "Border Patrol" is code word for the Mexican boarder. Let's be honest. When the media reports that walls are being built at the boarder, and we need strict boarder patrol, we are not talking about Canada. So why is a sock for infants being used to push a political agenda about immigration? Do infants have the power to articulate why they are for or against immigration?

Do waffles and socks really spark something in us as Americans?
The issue of racism is stickier and seeps deeper than our stomachs, and is a little more irritating than cold feet.
Old Navy has changed its original description of the socks to not include any mention of boarder patrol. Whitlock still stands behind his creation of the waffles.

Because racism might pop up anywhere, we need to come out with our critical thinking skills up.

Check out one dude's thoughts on how to tell people they are racist:

Should We Reduce the Voting Age?

2008-09-29T11:12:00.000-04:00

This week the National Youth Rights Association released this ad via YouTube and began spreading it across the internet.

I've written about the reduction of the voting age before, yet I still remain fascinated by this topic that still garners so much criticism among the youth movement.

They present a strong argument on DailyKos, but it's quickly met with harsh criticism in the comments section.

"
Most 16 year olds work and pay taxes, but with no say at all in how their tax money is spent.

Teens will be most effected by issues like education and environment, but have no voice that counts.

16 is a BETTER age to start voting than 18. 16 year olds are more tied to their communities (they are more likely to live at home with their parents). Many 18 year olds are moving to brand new communities to which they have no ties and feel less of a vested interest.

16 year olds can put the government and politics courses they are learning into action, making such coursework more effective and increasing their interest in voting.

Even the government agrees that 16 year olds are presumed to have enough knowledge to vote. In fact the voting rights act of 1965 that anyone with a 6th grade education is presumed to have the "literacy, comprehension, and intelligence to vote in any election." 42 U.S.C. 1971 (c). If a sixth grade education is enough, which shouldn't high schoolers who have completed 9th or 10th grade be able to cast a ballot?
"

Another solid argument is that there have been tens of thousands of young people under the age of 18 who our judicial system has decided are adult enough to stand trial as adults.

When I posed this as evidence that our government already considers these youth as adults to some in the youth movement it was met with urgency to reform the judicial system instead, and spend more time on issues that matter more.

Another argument not included is the high school drop out age. Some states like New Hampshire have raised the age to 18, but in many states in the south it remains at 16.

The age to get married in the US is usually 18, but most states allow it if there is parental consent for those 16 or over. If you're pregnant parental consent is waved in many states.

Recently, republican Vice Presidential nominee Sarah Palin announced her 17 year old daughter was both pregnant and getting married, but Bristol does not get to vote for her mother this year.

Had Bristol chosen a different alternative to having her child, she could have had an abortion without her mother's consent, since Alaska laws do not require parental consent you seventeen or older. But she still would not be allowed to vote for laws allowing or banning such procedures within her state.

In the end, there is a lot of hypocrisy around these laws, many of which go back and forth on what states consider an age to be old enough. I think this presents an interesting double standard and I certainly wish their movement luck. The most disheartening statement from youth movement advocates against this is when they say that we should push for laws that increase turnout rather than decreasing voting age.

I don't see this as a "youth movement" issue or an issue that is designed to get more young voters. I see this as more of a rights issue that is more about the individuals themselves and a basic right being denied to them while they are affected by laws that shouldn't take effect until they are 18. At this point we have such an overwhelming number of laws and statues in many different states that I don't think we can undo them to abide by the "18 rule". Thus, the only real equality is to reduce the voting age.