"The most authentic thing about us is our capacity to create, to overcome, to endure, to transform, to love and to be greater than our suffering." - Ben Okri
In the most idealistic sense, that's what a democracy was created for. America was based on the idea that the governed should control their destiny and that people can bring about change for good, and for the past 240 years, she's tried to mesh dreams with reality, past with future, and through the ups and downs, it's been quite the journey.
The US is starting a new chapter now. This year, its citizens will elect the 45th president and based on how the election results turn out and how the next 4 (or 8) years go, history books will record this period as the worst, best, or average of all presidencies.
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| Source: http://www.kappit.com/img/pics/201603_2001_hchai.jpg |
Though it's the first year that I've really started watching both the Democrat and Republican debates, I know for sure that this year has been completely different. Without getting too opinionated, I'll just say that for both parties, it's somewhat of a circus show and more so for the Republicans. Which leads to many people of my age, who finally can vote in this presidential election for the first time, to feel frustrated. Although we jokingly comment on how "It's our first year to vote and we get these candidates," all the laughing can't mask the frustration and even the slight disappointment we feel. It's a polarizing election, more so than the one four years ago, and far more extreme as well.
Regardless, many of us still eagerly do our research, argue passionately for the candidates whose policies we do support, and stand in lines to vote (and receive a sticker because positive reinforcement works!). For those of you who haven't registered to vote, you can register onsite at certain voting locations, so please try to do all you can to get out there and cast a ballot. For some, this may be the most exciting election yet, and for others, it's downright terrifying, but in spite of how you may feel towards this year's election, please please please fight apathy and get out to the ballot box!
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| Cartoonist: Nick Anderson |
Oh, and here's an obligatory smiling picture because I did an adult thing!
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| ft. Eunice and Ryan |
P.S. Dairy Queen is offering a promotional of free vanilla ice cream cone for today (random coincidence that DQ's birthday, March 15, is on Illinois' voting day), so after you vote, you can treat yourself to some free ice cream!
