Youth Movement
by Ally Berger
Iraq. Immigration. No Child Left Behind. Middle class decline. Stem cell research. Supreme Court appointments. Health care. Housing slump. Why was February 5th’s “Super Tuesday” primary presidential election day important?
Because it’s our country.
With so many challenges facing the United States, the 2008 Presidential Election gives citizens a chance to vote their conscience to establish what kind of America they envision for the future.
On February 5th, 18-year old Coronado students had the opportunity to vote for the first time.
Katie Knutson (12) has been “anxious to become a part of the voting community,” while Laura Bain (12) is “excited” that her vote now counts. Before casting his ballot, first-time voter Senior John Calderon commented that “it [was] ... very exciting to be waiting in line and knowing that I will be making a difference in this country.”
rimary, interviewed students all felt involved and relevant in the political process. Calderon cited the experience as “fun and amazing,” while Bain was “proud of voting.”
Some students who are almost 18 will be participating in political campaigns and preparing themselves for the general election in November. Junior Francine Holligan is a great example of this.
17 years old, Holligan recently attended a campaign speech for Illinois Senator Barack Obama at Veterans Memorial Coliseum. When asked about the experience, Holligan mentioned how fun and loud it was. “People started screaming before [Obama] even began to talk!”
Candidates Hillary Clinton, John McCain, Mike Huckabee and Ron Paul also remain on the campaign trail while John Edwards (D) and Mitt Romney (R) recently “suspended” their campaigns due to low voter support.
Obama, a Democrat, has opposed the Iraq War from the beginning, is pro-choice and wants his message of “hope” to unify the country. Even though New York Senator Hillary Clinton, has been citing her 35 years of experience and a plan for universal health care as key credentials, Obama holds a slight delegate edge (1,253 to 1,211); having swept the Washington, Nebraska, and Louisiana primaries this past Saturday. According to CNN.com, 2025 delegates are needed to win the Democratic nomination.
On the Republican ticket, Arizona Senator John McCain is a Vietnam P.O.W. (Prisoner of War) veteran, wants to “win” the war in Iraq, and is a strong favorite to represent the Republicans this fall. Paul and his grass roots “Revolution” is still in the race while former Arkansas Governor Mike Huckabee is staunchly pro-life and believes in eliminating the I.R.S.
As for who they support, Coronado students have diverse opinions. Senior and Democrat Ronald Walker voted for “Obama... because he knows what’s right for the people.” John Calderon (12) voted for “Clinton... because I think she will help the lower class improve.” Republican Laura Bain (12) disagrees and voted for “John McCain...the only candidate who has any idea how the middle class lives."
Government teacher Mrs. Kemp "[loves] the democratic process," and Economics teacher Ms. Brodison said, "it's exciting to see [my students] get involved; not only current students, but also former students who are excited to vote in the primary [elections] for the first time."
Information for this article was found on www.cnn.com and the Arizona Republic.
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