Bryana
Malloy
ENGL
102-045
Response
to Current Media
24 April
2012
Taking Part In History: 2012 Presidential
Election
Turning 18 is an exciting milestone in
the lives of most. We are given many rights at this age, such as being able to
purchase lottery tickets, cigarettes, officially being “legal”, and being able
to vote. Finally being able to vote is something that some are excited for, so
they immediately go out and register. Personally, I did not have the interest
to register. But now, my opinion on voting is completely opposite from what it
was when I first turned 18 last summer. Being U.S citizens, we are given a
right that people in other countries wish they had—the right to vote. Most
might think, like I did, that my vote won’t count—but every vote counts. By
voting, one can express their rights and help decide where the future may take
us. I will be responding to the current presidential election and how it
affects us, such as rising gas prices, jobs, and why the younger generation
should take part and vote.
It hasn’t been too long since those 18
and up got to vote. According to Bobbie Gentry, in 1971 when 18 year olds
gained the right to vote, the youth did not turnout as expected. In the 2008
presidential election, youth turnout was above 50%, but this year, the turnout
is expected to decrease. This 2012 election will be the most important election
of our lifetime. We all should voice our opinion now, for it is our future that
will be affected. Our future is already being affected, in part of the rising
gas prices at the pump. According to CNN, gas prices this summer could break
records reaching over $4 per gallon. Why are the gas prices rising? There are
many views as to why, but most put the blame on our President. In 2008, the
secretary of energy said “getting U.S. prices up to higher, European-level gas
prices would help move Americans to use more renewables.” The renewables that
they are currently focusing on right now is algae—yes we are spending money so
we can turn algae into energy. If this works, or if this doesn’t work, we will
still have to pay. And as of now, we will be paying a lot of money for gas. By
voting, a president can be elected that will have us in mind, one who will try
to lower gas prices anyway possible.
As gas prices are increasing, most will
have an even harder time trying to afford gas while there are no jobs
available, or if one has a job, a salary cut has probably been mandated. According
to the United States Department of Labor, the unemployment rate for the month
of February 2012 was 8.3%. Each GOP candidate has proposed a solution to
decreasing the unemployment rate. By voting for a candidate that proposes the
best solution to unemployment, our economy can be improved greatly, and jobs
can be created for those that need them. Now, imagine what life would be like
in a few years from now if none of these issues were tended to. Those who get a
job after college graduation will most likely have to drive to get to work.
Let’s say that it is a 20-minute commute to get there. That long of a drive
could cost a lot of money, especially if gas prices surpass $4 per gallon.
That’s a lot of your paycheck going towards gas. But what if you don’t have a
job because unemployment is at it’s highest? It will cause a lot of frustration
and work to try to get the bills paid in addition to having a little fun. This
is why everyone should take part in this election, for it will affect our
future, our children’s future, and our grandchildren’s future.
It is very imperative that anyone whom is
able to vote does vote for this year’s presidential election. The president who
gets elected at this year’s election will make decisions that will have a large
impact on our future. Some of these major decisions involve gas prices and
creating U.S jobs. There is a large need for more youth to take part in the
elections. We have nothing to lose, and if we want jobs after graduation, then
we should take part in this election. We are given the right to vote, and it is
right that we take part in an election that will have such a huge impact on our
lives.
Works Cited
Gentry, Bobbi. “Encouraging Youth Voting: Personal Identity
Development and
Inspirational Leaders”. Conference
Papers -- Southern Political Science Association. (2010): 321-325. Web. 13 March 2012.
Motorists, NEW YORK
(CNNMoney) -- February Has Been One Heck of a Month for
American. "Gas Prices Spiked 8% in February." CNNMoney.
Cable News Network, 29 Feb. 2012. Web. 13 Mar. 2012.
<http://money.cnn.com/2012/02/29/markets/gas_prices/index.htm>.
Henry, Ed.
"Chu Backpedals on Call for Higher Gas Prices." Fox News. FOX
News
Network, 13 Mar. 2012. Web. 13 Mar. 2012.
<http://www.foxnews.com/politics/2012/03/13/chu-backpedals-on-call-for-higher-gas-prices/>.
"CNSNews.com."
Obama's Energy Plan. Web. 13 Mar. 2012.
<http://cnsnews.com/news/article/obamas-energy-plan-algae>.
