Democracy empowers the majority. Communication, trust and teamwork are all key factors in running a democratic government. America is an imperfect country in an imperfect world full of turmoil; however, America inspires people worldwide with hopes for freedom, opportunity and justice. For many who travel to America to establish a better life, the United States is a new beginning. Meanwhile, American citizens themselves look for a solution to the country’s own issues.
Many various opinions exist about how our government should be operated and how to go about solving economic and social issues. So, what are the solutions to America’s problems? Will a man or woman of inspiration emerge and sweep America off its feet and proceed to successfully solve issues such as the national debt and low employment rate? Who would this person be?
The hope for such a person exists in the hearts and minds of many American citizens, but why can’t we, the people, make an impact just as great by working together?
It seems many Americans have forgotten or fallen to unawareness and disbelief of the power they hold as citizens of the U.S. today. How can we, the people, change America for the better?
First things first: Let’s be thankful that we don’t live in an autocratic country. America was fought for and established as a democratic government by the “founding fathers” to provide liberty for all people, which is often forgotten. People in America, whether upper, middle or lower class, need to always remember the inspiration our country was founded upon and use it to better the U.S.
More involvement by the people in the government is ideal. Lack of education and disbelief in the peoples’ power hinders many citizens from caring enough to be actively involved.
If more people voted in national, state, and city elections, a noticeable change would occur. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the overall voting age (18 and older) citizen population in the United States in 2008 was 206 million compared with 197 million in 2004. Of that total, 146 million, or 71 percent, reported being registered to vote. That’s slightly lower than the 72 percent who reported being registered to vote in the 2004 presidential election, but does represent an increase of approximately 4 million registered voters. The percentage of those registered to vote that actually did so was slightly higher in the 2008 election (90 percent) than in 2004 (89 percent).
According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the resident population of the U.S. is projected to be 312,704,202 as of Dec. 2, 2011 at 11:04 p.m. Pacific Standard Time.
About 131 million people reported voting in the 2008 U.S. presidential election, an increase of 5 million from 2004, according to a table package released by the U.S. Census Bureau.
Imagine if more Americans vote. How great of an impact would there be?
Prosperity is not given, it’s earned. The U.S. has accomplished many great things as a country. But economic and social issues are facing controversy of immense proportion. Who has the majority of the power in our government? Who is going to take action to begin solving issues in America?
America isn’t just a corrupt bureaucracy run by the heads of authoritative groups like the U.S. Department of Defense, CEOs of large, influential corporations, or even presidents of organizations such as the National Rifle Association or American Association of Retired Persons, although some people may disagree.
America is and always was meant to be an inspirational democratic bureaucracy that provides power to the people who decide on who should be leading the U.S. And if the majority isn’t in favor, then make a change.
Boot the ill-favored politicians out of office and elect someone new. Come together, use your rights, be informed, and be motivated to change America because our country is a land of opportunity. America needs more honest and hard-working politicians, but it all starts with us, the people!
Opinions expressed in editorial and opinion articles are the views of individual NIC students. These views do not necessarily reflect the opinions of the Sentinel, North Idaho College, or any other organizations or groups there-in. North Idaho College is not responsible for the accuracy of statements or opinions shared.
