Assignment 3

On November 2, 2008, I was blessed with one of the most important experiences of my life. I was allowed, for the first time ever, to voice my opinion for this country. I was given the right that many have fought and died for. I was given the right to vote. Its not my place to brag about my vote, but only to show what this amazing right meant for me, and how I got this amazing right.

I anxiously awaited the next two days, shaking in my boots as the election day drew nearer. The hype was up, my nerves jolted and my opinion already shipped off in the mail. I had always tip toed around politics. The stuff has always kind of bored me. But after the fiasco that was the 2004 election, I knew I had to step in and finally do my part. Politics had always been a major part of my families life. My typical family dinner involved me sitting in my chair silently, as my sister, mom and dad tore into various political and current event issues. I had always been the silent type because until this year I hadn’t really cared about politics. But finally something just clicked, and I got the fever. I dove head first into all and every conversation at family dinners. My parents stood there, with a deer in the headlight like gaze, stunned with their eyes wide open. In my parent’s eyes, I had finally after 19-20 years of my life, become a man.

In 1776 after America gained independence from the British, the right to vote was given to land owning white males over the age of 21. This was our first shot at democracy. In 1870, two years after African American people were recognized as citizens, the 15^th amendment was passed allowing African Americans land owning men over the age of 21 the right to vote. Almost fifty years later, in 1920, democracy took another giant leap forward passing the 19^th amendment, allowing women the right to vote. Finally in 1971, in a final step to what voting has become today, the voting age was lowered to 18 years of age, allowing people like myself to participate. We have come a long way finally allowing all legal non criminal American citizens over the age of 21, the right to vote. Now its time to get educated and decide for yourself, if you are able to vote, who you will vote for and why.

So why did I vote? One: I was allowed to. Two: I wanted to counteract an idiot of my choice, one of my non informed friends. Most importantly three: because I finally cared about the issues. Living on my own, is a new thing to me. My parents had shielded me from the world for 18 years of my life, and I was finally put out on my own. The real world was a harsh wake up for me. But as Stan Lee had written, “With great power, comes great responsibility.” I took this as a sign, and quickly found myself researching the issues. I have never been the one to claim that I am better than I am. I’m not the smartest kid, I’m not the most motivated, but I do bring something to the table that no one else has. That’s my opinion. At the moment, I’m probably able to write a 20 page paper (which I wont do) about what issues are important to me and why, but I will abbreviate to save you from reading one persons opinion on what you probably already know. The economy is an important issue because lets be honest, who doesn’t love money? I, in due time want the dollar to be worth something, and the economy to be strong allowing me to invest with confidence instead of cowering in fear. I want the social security and other taxes I pay for with my minimum wage job to still be there. This is equally as important as my next issue of importance, the environment. One aspect of this is Global warming. We need to stop this; or at least slow it down, because lets be honest, if the polar bears and penguins die, we’ll all be sad, and the damages that can come from the ice caps melting can be disastrous. The final issue of concern that I have is the war. I don’t want to be drafted, I don’t want to join, I don’t want to get shot at and I don’t support a bogus cause. Regardless of my opinions, everyone is different and has their own reasons. But as an educated voter it's up to you to make to right informed decisions and help elect the person whom you believe can best represent you.

With an understanding of the remarkable history of how America earned the right to vote, mixed with my relentless excitement for what was to come, I eagerly sat the majority of November 4, 2008 glued to MSNBC waiting for the results. Regardless of the outcome, I am proud to do my part as an American, get my voice out there and vote.

An obvious starting point to this whole adventure is my hometown. Sure I was born in Seattle, but I moved before I had memories, so I consider Bainbridge Island my hometown. I spent the majority of my years on Bainbridge Island and it is where I became the person I am today… which if you hadn’t noticed, is an awesome person. The very same beautiful Bainbridge Island that was rated number 2 in CNN’s best places to live in 2005. Obviously the only reason we are number two is because CNN felt bad for Moorestown, New Jersey (ranked number 1) and gave them a pity victory, knowing that people on Bainbridge Island are way too relaxed to care. So sorry CNN, I know you were trying to be nice, but you’re just wrong. Nothing is better than this relaxed city, full of liberal happiness, great weather, relaxed atmosphere, rich kids and a school district that is nothing short of enlightening. Sure some say that were they are from is better than Bainbridge Island, but just like CNN, you are wrong.



(Image taken from http://www.ci.bainbridge-isl.wa.us/images/content/Map_Of_BainbridgeIS.jpg)

This next gem in my photo collection is the masterminded plan of mine to not only lie and scheme my way into an official event of statewide importance but also to win a dollar bet I had made with a friend. Proving to her that not only do I never back down from a bet, but that I am a far superior human being. Here’s the condensed version. My actions committed in the following story legally are questionable, morally inept but well worth the risk I took. With my extensive creativity and resources, I used my schools art room to create a fake press pass, which I used the schools version of Photoshop to edit and make a press pass required for admittance, then during school hours, sped to the laminator, getting pulled over for going 59 in a 30mph zone, begging my way out of ticket, finally getting the pass laminated. I used my charm on the phone and talked with the coordinator of the WIAA, who granted me special permission to become the only student allowed to film the Washington State Swim and Dive Championships from the pool deck. The rest of the story is quite basic: using the press pass, and a fake note, I proceed to sneak down into the press room for free sandwiches and fruit, and walk all over the pool deck recording whatever I pleased. Oh did I mention the $10,000 dollar camera on my shoulder. That was free to use for the weekend because I told my local broadcasters it was for a school project.

I know what you’re thinking. Shouldn’t the tires be on the ground? Yes, they should. But like many of life’s mysteries, how the car ended up like this is unknown. Waking up to the horrible cry of the dogs barking, I slowly sauntered out to the front of my house to see what all the racket was about. I followed the relentless barking of my two dogs, to were the car should have and normally was parked. I continued to walk slowly down the driveway to unveil this sight. It was a sad day for me. I had spent hours fixing this car, installing a new stereo and enjoy the fantastic 30 miles per gallon time that this car and I had had. Driving has always been a hobby of mine, ever since I got my hands on a learners permit at the age of 15 and a half, I’ve loved to drive. I spent countless hours driving around for no reason what so ever to enjoy the scenic scenery of my beloved island. To this day, I still enjoy driving and all things car related, to bad my life wont be the same with out my beloved Jetta.

I leave you with a quote: “Live life fully while you’re here. Experience everything. Take care of yourself and your friends. Have fun, be crazy, be weird. Go out and screw up! You’re going to anyway, so you might as well enjoy the process… Don’t try to be perfect, just be an excellent example of a human being.” Anthony Robbins. Be the best person you can be, have fun and enjoy life. I sure do.