THE FATE OF THE FUTURE
By Ian Gibson

      Discontent is high in the Union. Every hour of every day, the television trumpets 
casualty reports in Iraq, the rising homicide rate in Baltimore, and the general lack of 
governmental cohesion. Chaos reins on the battlefield of modern politics, and the need 
for change is greater than ever. Where is America’s youth in this tumultuous time? You 
can find them slouching on the couch with a bag of chips in one hand and an iPod in the 
other. In an age where Rage Against the Machine blares on the radio and the nation is 
ripe for revolution, today’s teenagers are more apathetic than ever.
	It’s time for a change. For too long have we stood as silent witnesses to scandal 
and hypocrisy, eager to sit by idly on the sidelines of history. It’s easy to lose interest 
when you fall to the fallacy of far-away leaders legislating the law of the land. In reality, 
the power lies in the hands of the people. One vote, one voice, speaks volumes. 
	The key to political activism is to find an issue that impassions you. Take a stand 
and let your voice be heard. Write your representatives and press for change or organize 
the masses into a cohesive political front. Progress comes from the cacophony of feet in 
the street, the roar of chants in a crowd, and the silence of ticks on a ballot. 
	There comes a time for every generation to assume responsibility and power in 
society. For our generation, that day is coming fast. You may hate the omnipotent man 
and his dastardly plan, but soon you too will wear the crown of authority. There is no 
defining point where power is ceremoniously passed from the elderly to the young. 
Instead, it comes with the surge of young voters and an influx of fresh ideas. Government 
is refreshed every few decades, for better or worse, through this process. Today we suffer 
at the hands of Woodstock hippies – we can only hope our generation fares better.	
	Rush the streets, crowd the polls, recruit the masses – do what it takes to make a 
difference. Let the world know that it is our generation that controls the future.