As we move into the 2012 elections, political candidates and parties will begin to reach out to youth – voting age and even younger. Young people bring energy and, frankly, cheap labor to campaigns. It is a two-way street, however. Real life political work is an enlightening experience – far more important than what is taught in political science classrooms or books on government. The world of politics can disillusion as well as inspire. As youth about to become involved, make sure that the price for your work is high – not in dollars and cents, but in your candidate’s commitment to what you believe is right.
You are here today because you have made some level of
commitment to civility and peace in the streets.
Your job is to make sure that candidates in 2012 make the same commitment. Youth can make this happen. You can make candidates understand that the bullying that everyone talks about in schools and on our streets is a reflection of the ugliness that we hear in the Congress, in our campaigns and on the airways. How can kids be called upon to respect fellow students who are different from them when leading politicians use hate speech to slander their opponents, demean women and abuse minorities? If hate is the language of the powerful, who should be surprised when it raises its ugly head in your communities and classrooms?
Your job is to make sure that candidates in 2012 make the same commitment. Youth can make this happen. You can make candidates understand that the bullying that everyone talks about in schools and on our streets is a reflection of the ugliness that we hear in the Congress, in our campaigns and on the airways. How can kids be called upon to respect fellow students who are different from them when leading politicians use hate speech to slander their opponents, demean women and abuse minorities? If hate is the language of the powerful, who should be surprised when it raises its ugly head in your communities and classrooms?
Youth has the power to make a difference. Work for candidates who share your ideals. The price of your support and energy is their commitment to the goals of the Peacemaker Corps. Don’t compromise your belief in decency and peaceful dialogue just because they have lost theirs. Work for the best that is out there and help bring about change – one step at a time. The tone of this year’s campaign may already be fixed in place, but don’t sell yourself short – if change doesn’t happen in the dialogue of 2012, it will happen eventually. Promise!!
Written By: Pat Johansen
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