Stahley's Reaction for DNC commentary

One of the reasons that I became a teacher was to light fires in young minds. This is a new thing for me, this blog, but I can tell it is already making a difference. I enjoy the fact that you are reading your peer's blogs. I feel as though you are connecting in a new and exciting way.

For those of you who have not had a "giant" experience with politics, I want to say a few things.

I may come off as one who has been greatly involved for many years. This is not at all true. I was once, and I do not think this is a strange place for a teenager to be, oblivious to the world around me. In fact, I still have lapses of judgment where I consider myself to be a typical member of society, and I think this is fine.

If I was assigned this exact topic as a 17/18 year old, my response to question three would have been something alone the lines... of most of yours frankly. I would have had to explain why I didn't pay attention, and I wouldn't have felt sorry about keeping my priorities elsewhere. You are kids, and by all means, you should enjoy your adoloscence.

When I read your responses now, and mind you, I am only 10 years your superior, I am happy that you even took time out to consider, or even acknowledge that someday, something of this magnitude will effect you. For this consideration, you owe yourselves a giant pat on the back. It shows maturity, and unfortunately, I don't know how often teens your age get to wear the threads of a thoughtful, mature human. Wear them with pride.

As I become more involved (reading articles by respected sources, watching the occasional news program, speaking to elders who I think "know their stuff") I have realized something: I enjoy being not just a typical member of society, but an informed and even intelligent, outgoing member, who isn't afraid to voice an opinion. It feels good to get into a respectful conversation with a stranger and exchange ideas. It feels good to be able to wear a shirt that displays my political beliefs and have wanderers stop me and comment. This goes for those who agree with me, and for those who don't, because anyone who is intelligent can still learn to respect those who do not agree with their opinions.

I am 27 years old, and I have voted in every election since 2000. Until now, I voted based off of minimal understanding. I hope that when you decide to vote, that it is done with intelligence. Do your reading. Read about the people who represent you. Criticize even those who you support. Search and define what it is that makes you an American citizen. Not everyone in the world shares your right to decide, so don't waste your decisions, and certainly don't take them lightly.

I got into a deep discussion with a dear and intelligent friend of mine who tried to convince me that he was not going to vote because he didn't feel as though his vote mattered. I was disturbed. But it taught me something that I want to share with you.

It isn't the vote that counts. It is the opinion that you hold within yourself that is displayed with a vote that matters. If we were a nation of followers, the word "Independence" would drastically decrease in value. Being independent is truly something to be proud of, and by voicing your valuable opinion, you express your right to be free on a very large scale. Your vote may seem small but remember, "No single raindrop feels as though it is to blame for the flood." If everyone loses sight of what a vote means, we could be in the midst of a very scary drought.

Stahley