Empower Yourself, VOTE!!!!

During The Great Depression, my grandfather was a child and illegal resident to this country. He worked diligently to contribute to his family and walked great distances with nothing on his feet but the flesh he was born with. During this time, my grandfather truly believed that America, though stunted by its economic turmoil, would remain as steadfast as he, trudging through the formidable feats and life’s unpredictable lashings. He had felt no animosity towards this country, but instead, saw only its true potential. So, when he was old enough, he enlisted in the United States Army in order to give back to a nation that gave so little during his childhood. It was out in the fields of battle that he able to witness cohesion of individuals, fueled by pride and dignity; the ability to find comfort in a man just a foxhole away. These are comrades-in-arms who rushed out into blazing cities, dodged fierce enemy fire, and even pieced together each other’s battered limbs after a tough mission. These men are testaments of true American patriots; men who, without a moment’s hesitation, were willing to sacrifice their lives to uphold a foundation of values and principles established by their forefathers.
In return, this country upheld its promise of granting him something he had long wished for, fought for, and endured for: his citizenship and right vote. I write this because I see a time when all odds are stacked against the working class, against the poor, and even against the rich. My grandfather believed in America and voted to help restore its glory during every election that preceded his return from the war. He exercised his God-given right to think, speak, and choose a set of values that defined his ambition for America’s future.
Some people refuse to formulate opinions about the presidential elections. They say that the political arena is too corrupt and lacks the kind of transparency needed to feel safe choosing sides with either Republicans or Democrats. What people fail to notice is that there are more options out there for them. Third party candidates, though not included in mainstream media, are very much alive. They are actively traveling the country and attempting to challenge the views of both McCain and Obama. Yes, voting is a right given to all American citizens, but being informed and knowledgeable about issues that affect the lives of fellow Americans, dear ones, and the posterity of each individual is a responsibility each one of us carries. Are you among a group who cannot pay for college? Are you pro-life or pro-choice? Do you want to see our troops come home in a little over a year or see our country continue to fight a war on terror? Important questions like these must include the voice of every American who feels for soldiers half a world away, wants to ensure the future for their children, or wants to better their life by continuing their education.
Though sad but true, the people who sit out on election day are those who feel that the vast amounts of information available to them wasn’t sufficient enough be consolidated into a firm opinion. Why should the burden of this country’s prosperity lay on the shoulders of older generations who have offered their sweat and blood for the lives of younger generations? The younger generations find it difficult to pick up a newspaper for a quick read about our world’s development or downfalls, and have been the majority of Americans who are politically uninvolved. The Internet is available to everyone or can, at least, be accessed if the will was present. The Internet is a limitless world of archives, information, knowledge, speculation, and is a pathway to finding truth. Aside from that, it is only clicks away from defining your wants and needs as a citizen. An American dream, your American dream, is a goal that yearning eyes are fixated on; powered by hope that your nation will guide you, push you, and offer a helping hand when your morale is shot and possibilities grow thin.
So, when November 4th rolls around, a groundbreaking day in American history, you will be summoned to pick a ticket that best suits you. You will be expected to fill out a ballot that requests your thoughts, your choice, and your moment to speak. That is when all the he-said she-said is silenced and the stage opens up for a single American citizen to prove that, after all the painstaking dissection of each candidate and each issue, the values of our forefathers were not established in vain.
We live in a democracy unlike any the world has ever seen. I never knew how important voting could be until I was educated about my grandfather's sacrifice. The very fabric of democracy is only good when the electorate has the right to choose and we all have a voice to ensure that our state’s electorate is on side with our families, friends, our futures, and ourselves. As Americans, we have a higher standard than the rest of the world. The hopes and future of this country are dependent on you. My grandfather was blessed because he came back alive, but others were not so fortunate. Vote for those who lost their lives fighting for freedom. Vote to ensure this country's survival. Vote for your right to be heard. I find it amazing that one single vote has the influence needed to change the course of history forever. Honor the dead for their sacrifice. Honor the brave that continue to fight and, most of all, honor yourself because you refuse to let a simple freedom that is envied throughout the world go to waste. Vote. It's the first step towards achieving the American dream.

written by: Sergio M. and Daniela R.