By Justice Council
Staff Writer
I know most people feel obligated to say, “Of course.” I mean, how could anyone possibly say their home country isn’t the
best?
Before you answer my question, I would like to give you a few interesting facts.
According to the Program for International Student Assessment, the United States is ranked 20th in reading, 30th in mathematics and 23rd in science in the world. The United States’ overall educational system is ranked 17th.
On top of our low educational rankings, the United States ranks 17th in having confidence in its leader.
In the most recent presidential election, the United States had a voter turnout of 57.5 percent of registered voters. There are 58 countries that had a better voter turnout in their elections.
People have lost all confidence in the power of their voice. The newer generations see no point in voting. Nor are there any candidates that attract the new generation into voting.
According to the Pew Research Center, only 15 percent of Americans ages 18 to 29 said the United States is the greatest country in the world. While 40 percent of citizens ages 65 and older agreed.
As you can see, the patriotism and faith in the United States is beginning to diminish. People are no longer voting and our education system is failing our students. We don’t even have faith in our own elected leader.
For all of these reasons, now is the time for people to pay more attention. Citizens need to become more involved in current events in our nation. The newer generations need to voice their ideas and opinions. Sitting back and complaining about things isn’t going to change anything.
The only way we can turn our country around is if the citizens of the United States get involved. We have the right to vote, the right to freedom of speech and the right to make a change in our government. Now is the time, more than ever, to exercise our freedoms and rights.
I realize many people feel as if their individual voice cannot truly affect change. I personally could not disagree more. All it takes is one individual’s voice to influence and inspire others. Remember, a journey begins with a single step. It is our duty as American Citizens to take that first step and begin forming our future as a nation.
Now, here is the challenge: Before you use your powerful voice, you first must seek to truly understand. Do not make any haste decisions based on a negative campaign add or another’s opinion. Support your decision with your own research and facts.
And please remember this from Rush’s “Permanent Waves” album: If you choose not to decide, you have still made a choice.
Justice Council writes the Justice for All column. He can be reached at [email protected] or at 786.2311.
