“When in the course of human events, it becomes necessary for the kids of America to dissolve the youthful barriers that separate them from society, and to assume among themselves the God-given responsibility to study and understand the founding principles of their nation, a decent respect to the opinions of mankind requires that they should declare the causes which impel them to take a stance on important issues.” (Adaptation of the Declaration of Independence).
Like in times past, our country is at a crossroads. We can continue heading in the same direction, we can choose new roads, or we can try to backpedal. If we, the kids of America, do not voice our opinion, that road will be chosen for us. That is why it is imperative that we make our feelings known. Three things are needed to make this happen. We need to become interested in politics, learn more about our history and government, and join together with other kids to make a difference. The road which we choose at this time will affect our future.
Why should kids care about politics? For one thing, it is incredibly interesting. It directly affects every aspect of our lives. Legislation that is passed creates laws we must follow and taxes collected will impact how much money we have to spend. So maybe the question should be: why shouldn’t kids care about politics?
Political interest for me began during the 2008 elections. The presidential debates turned out to be more fascinating than I thought. Listening to both sides and trying to understand their viewpoints really helped shape my conservative beliefs. Later when I found out that the children of America were already millions of dollars in debt, I was shocked, dismayed, and even angered. I wanted to shout, “That’s not fair. You can’t do that!” But since this didn’t usually work with my mom, I decided it probably wouldn’t work with the government. The 2008 election results taught me that I needed to care about politics.
As future voters, we need to learn more about our history and government. How can we become involved in something when we don’t know anything about it? Families should learn together, because strengthening families will strengthen America. Reading books together and researching online can be a start. Parents can relate exciting tales of the American Revolution while at the same time integrating the story of our Constitution and branches of government. There is so much richness in the way our government was set up. Gaining more knowledge about it should be not only interesting, but enjoyable.
In my study of the founding of America, I have come to appreciate the importance of the people speaking out for their liberty. If I was upset about the debt put upon me, would other kids know and feel the same way? What could I do to make a difference? Adults write letters, send emails and make calls to elected officials and we should too. This was when the first idea of a kid’s letter campaign came to my mind. Thomas Jefferson once said, “When the people fear their government, there is tyranny, but when the government fears the people, there is liberty.”
We need to join together with other kids to make a difference. One person alone, child or adult, is not sufficient to change America, but there is strength in numbers. If we will band together as Conservative Youth to bring about reform in our nation, we can make a huge difference.
How can we band together? I have created a website to help us. It is called Conservative Youth: We Have a Voice: www.kidzhaveavoice.com On the site kids can find information on a letter campaign, hot issues that need to be addressed, and other great information. You can also learn about Conservative Youth clubs that you can start in your city or town. It’s a great way to align yourself with like-minded kids and make a difference.
American Youth, this is a wake-up call. We should no longer leave politics to our parents. If all the conservative kids rose up with adults, our numbers would at least double. Let us imitate the Founding Fathers in their unity of purpose and action. “And for the support of this Declaration, with a firm reliance on the protection of divine Providence, we mutually pledge to each other our Lives, our Fortune, and our Sacred Honor.” (Declaration of Independence).
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