Inauguration 2017. Pay Attention!

 It is imperative that EVERYONE be aware of what is happening in government, especially during such a controversial election. I have seen and heard a lot of people saying that they are "just going act like nothing is happening" today, or that they stopped paying attention the same day they found out the results of the election back in November. I've also come across many people that opted not to vote or concern themselves with political matters once the presidential candidates were announced, because it was just "the lesser of two evils."  This is an extremely dangerous and ignorant (if not down right stupid) way of thinking. Do not fall into that trap and PLEASE do not drag your children down with you. This is especially important for minorities as well as their children. It is well within your rights as a citizen of the United States to disagree with whomever is in office, however, if you're not aware of everything that is going on how are you going to change anything? You cannot convince, argue, or reason with someone if you don't have any facts. And repeating the same stuff that you see on social media isn't going to cut it in a conversation with any slightly intelligent individual. 

 For instance, I'd be a lot less inclined to have a conversation with someone who says "I hate Republicans because they're all a bunch of racists!" versus "The Presidents allegation that African Americans have nothing left to lose because 58% of their youth are unemployed was, in fact, misleading. This number also included full time African American students that are not seeking employment at this time as they further their education. According to the US labor board, the actual figure is 19%. I am concerned with his view of the African American community." You can't argue with facts, and once you start bringing numbers and facts to the table you have a much better chance of getting people to understand and see things for what they really are. You can't do that if you're being ridiculous and have your head in the sand.

 Honestly, I don't care too much for politics. I don't devote hours of my time everyday to see what's what in Washington, and while I certainly have opinions, I don't feel overly passionate as far as government is concerned as a whole. BUT I can hold an intelligent conversation in regards to current events, politics and the structure of government. My parent's never pushed politics down our throats but they ensured that we were informed on both sides. As cliche as it might sound, children are our future. They see and hear what is going on even if you don't tell them, so it's necessary to inform them to ensure they get the correct information. These are our future politicians. Children who come from poor and lower middle class means have a harder time getting into politics and getting people to listen to them because, and this is no secret, it takes money to launch campaigns, go to school, and easily climb the political ladder. Many of the leaders that had to fight their way to the upper rungs of government did so solely based off of their passion to make a difference. These are the people that fight the hardest for the everyday person, and so we must nurture that desire, fan the flame, and encourage our youth to become interested in politics so when it gets tough, they don't give up. I, along with many many others, would love to see more representation of minorities in government, but that won't happen if we don't get them started now. You never know, the next president could be sitting next to you watching cartoons instead of watching the inauguration and saying to themselves "That could be me one day!"

Whether you agree with what's going on or not, if you want to make a difference, or want things to keep going the way they're going, you have to stay informed. There is no other option.