Meg_Z

I believe that when our founding fathers said "We the people," they actually meant "We the white men." Everyone else, from women to African Americans to homosexuals has had to fight to be included under that heading. Democracy should be a place where everyone's voice is heard, because words and ideas don't have a color, gender, or age. However, I believe it is every individual's responsibility to use this right. In order to form an opinion about an issue, all aspects of the issue need to be considered. Before we try to fight for what is right, we need to know what is wrong. I try to be well-informed of what is going on in my community, nation, and in the world, so I can use this knowledge to make educated decisions. This is the first step. But anyone can decide that something isn't right. Change comes from the people who see something isn't right and then decide to do something about it. I believe it is every citizen's responsibility to vote and try to change things that need to be changed. Freedom of speech, freedom of the press, the right to vote, the list goes on and on. Our nation fought long and hard for these rights, now I feel it is my responsibility, and the responsibility of our nation, to use them.