TonganoxieMirror.com

With the arrival of the 2012 election just barley a year away, I am very enthused to be involved in my very first election. So as I sit in my excitement, I can’t help but wonder about the rest of the newest generation to take the polls. Finding your way politically is a trick no doubt and when you add in being young and under the influence parents and peers and living in an overwhelmingly conservative town it becomes even more difficult. One of the most difficult things about this election is not only the newest generation voting on many issues we are unsure about but to the rest of the country many of the issues are new to them as well. So how will this election pan out? It is anyone’s guess but the most exciting part is this — for the first time the voice of our newest generation will be heard. Change. It is more than the platform on which many politicians run. It is a highly sought-after goal for this country. If the frustration and movements formed by the American people are any indication change is coming and whether it is positive or negative is up to our next election. I spoke to new voter Lindsey Truesdell on how she wanted to see our country change come this time next year. “Judging by things like the Occupy movements, it is becoming clearer and clearer our country has some big changes to make,” Truesdell said. “Just like our policymakers and almost every other citizen of our nation, I would like to see our economy have serious, steady growth.” She added with a humorous tone: “Oh...and…um...more financial assistance to incoming college students.” No matter whom I asked, the common theme was change. Change in the economy, change in the job market, and the list goes on. However the idea of change isn’t the only thing on the minds of new voters. The idea of the “American Dream” is a common concept and too many a familiar one. It is an idea our country has thrived on and as a result has become a sort of tagline for all Americans. The next new voter I spoke with, Gage Leigh, is a proud advocate of the dream. “I would like to see unions being protected,” Leigh said. “I also would like to see the government keep social security. I think everyone deserves to retire and live a good life and for some people social security is the only way to do that.” The idea of the “American Dream” will never be a dead one but it does have potential to be a distant one. I have high hopes and faith that this election will be the start to what our country has been yearning for. So while we are pursuing change and protecting the American Dream our newest generation could amaze people if they step up to prove themselves. So with that being said, new guys, let’s prove ourselves. I hope all of you go out and vote next November. Lets see if we can make a difference and start leaving some footprints in the sand of this crazy world of ours.