By Natalia Washington,
Contest Winner
2008 is a landmark year for American politics.
An African-American man and a woman are running for the highest offices, representing a major achievement for our society as it gives voice to historically marginalized groups. It is a critical time for the future of our planet. Decisions made in the next four years may well affect our climate, many scientists believe, and determine the course of global politics as tensions rise over energy, the economy and environmental refugees.
Yet, for all that is at stake, many in our generation believe that our votes in this election will not count. Not in a statistical sense, but in the feeling that no matter who is elected to the White House, our biggest problems will not be solved. This is a key issue as we approach Nov. 4.
Our generation wants exactly what all societies want: food, water, shelter, a job and security. But short-term strategies have caught up with the world, and despite numerous warnings, all of this is threatened. Our economy has been operating under a business model of infinite growth on a planet with finite resources. Tipping points soon will be reached (if they have not been already) concerning glacial and permafrost melt, which will exponentially raise the number of environmental refugees, like the victims of Katrina. Increasing cases of childhood and geriatric illness are linked to poisoned and overused food and water systems. Domestic security, job security and Social Security are all being thrown into doubt. Few are satisfied, from the left to the right of the political spectrum.
The need for long-term solutions should be obvious to anyone who has more than 40 years to live. But the problems seem insurmountable, and the examples of our elders are inadequate at best. Changing the culture quickly from short-term to long-term thinking is a daunting task. Historically, great shifts in policies have come in reactions to crises. Consider the kinds of changes that happened after Sept. 11. An event of that magnitude has yet to be repeated. Of course, we pray one doesn't happen.
So what will it take for the politicians, the leaders of our parents' generation, to take immediate and effective actions that will not only help solve problems like the exorbitant cost of health care, but will ease the minds of young Americans who will most acutely feel the repercussions of these decisions? Are effective and agreeable actions even available? These are the questions some in our generation ask themselves when they cynically and pessimistically decide to avoid the voting booth on Election Day.
The solutions to these kinds of complex problems will not be simple, nor easily found. Education will help, and so will a more proactive attitude from our elders. What is needed most, however, amounts to something more like a change of heart. We have to be able to believe again in our own power and agency. This is why we should become more active in our communities. Begin a recycling program in your hometown. Volunteer at a community center. Join an advocacy group for an issue you're passionate about. Participate in a fundraiser for a good cause. Get involved in local government. The possibilities are almost endless.
From these experiences, a more positive attitude can be drawn about our future. Knowledge of our own power is key, as are examples of positive change all around us. It really is as Gandhi said when he asked us to be the change you wish to see in the world."" Getting our generation of Americans to the polls is equivalent to getting us to believe in our ability to govern ourselves. The ""us and them"" paradigm separating citizens of our generation with the leaders of the American administration, a distinction classically characterized by age, can be healed if it is possible to return to ""government by the people,"" and if we can believe in this possibility.
The sense of disenchantment and disenfranchisement is especially seen in the case of corporate entities with political interests. If the laws we pass reflect what we think is right as opposed to what benefits those with financial power, a more passionate discourse will evolve amongst our generation in the Wisconsin tradition of ""sifting and winnowing.""
Is there a simple statement that can move us all together toward the polls; a piece of knowledge; a statement of logic? Maybe, but it's improbable. The easiest thing one might do is point to what is already obvious. 2008 is a landmark year for American politics. Now is the time to address the issues that affect us all. Now.
- Natalia Washington
UW-Madison sophomore
philosophy major
""$1000 for 1000 Words"" was a contest held early this month challenging UW-Madison students to both discuss why the youth vote has been traditionally low and come up with unique solutions to the problem.
