Paige_J

Im a sixteen year old student at North Kingstown High School where everyday you're asked to write a paper, or answer a question that you often have no idea what you're talking about or what's the right answer. Today I am asked to tell you what i believe about democracy. What it does, who it affects, does it help and there is no right or wrong answer just simply my opinion. Adults believe you have no clue what you're talking about and you just don't care about what's politically going on, but it's not entirely true. I think that younger kids and teenagers just have a different view on aspects of democracy than adults do. I think that I believe more negative things about the democracy we live in today. I can tell you about what my parents, and aunts and uncles believe but today it's about my opinion whether or not it makes a difference to society or not. I believe democracy is as my history teacher Mr.Sullivan would say: "Of the people, for the people, or by the people." It was created to be that way but all power whether its in the constitution, in a king or queen, a dictator, or a representative goes corrupt and i believe that after a while of a smooth running of a democracy the power within it went corrupt.

Now democracy and the government just wants us to feel like the people have the power when we put in our ballots for a vote but in actuality i think they just end up doing what they feel anyway which leads to half of the U.S history's mistakes. I believe whatever makes a "good citizen" you should be free to speak your mind about whatever it is you feel should be done. Make yourself heard. Part of my history classes or the civics class I'm currently taking encourages debates between ideas and others can comment or agree or disagree. I often find myself sitting slumped back into my chair just thinking what I have to say but not having the voice to say aloud what I happen to be thinking which goes against everything I'm typing here today telling you to speak up and don't be afraid of people rejecting your ideas or thoughts, just back it up and stick up for yourself until you reach a point.

If I had to write what democracy really is, and historical facts, i definately wouldn't be able to tell you accurate facts but since this is a matter of opinion I don't necessarily know what to say but just letting my ideas flow through to the paper whether it makes any sense or not. You are told that you are an important tribute to America but are you really? Do you believe that one little thought in a vote really makes the world of a difference? You're told you're an american whether you're Hispanic, African-American, or French but then why are you referred to as immigrants? Why do people put it off like you are unwelcome in America? You're Americans if you live and take part in your society; abide by laws don't just ignore them. Welcome everyone no matter how different their ways of doing things are, or how different they look or act because if you like them or not they live in the United States and they are Americans.

I am told everyday along with everyone else that voting makes all the difference but how can it if im not making the laws, or coming up with ideas I'm just helping enforce them which I may not entirely believe in. That is what I believe in democracy and I hope that as a person I can affect what at least a fraction of the people think whether its family, friends or a complete stranger.