The American people love to complain about how the country has been mishandled over the past eight years.
People are always grumbling about how the Iraq War has been going on for too long, how the economy is terrible, and how healthcare needs reform.
Although people love to complain about these things, not many take the opportunity to actually do something about it.
People can get involved with these complex issues that shape America, by simply voting.
Register, vote, change is that easy.
On Nov. 4, the citizens of this country have a very important decision to make: who will govern the country for the next four years?
But people also have to decide who will represent them in local matters, even though some students are only in Santa Barbara for a brief period. The local election takes a backseat to the presidential election, but it is still an important event.
Taking the time to fill out a ballot will solidify California’s position on gay marriage, it could create a high-speed train between San Francisco and Los Angeles, and shape the future look of Isla Vista by electing a new 3rd district supervisor.
America is proclaimed to be the biggest democracy in the world, and people should use their right to vote, because not everyone has this opportunity. Freedom of speech is not a given in every country, so don’t take it for granted.
It is important that people take this chance to use the rights that have been granted to them by the U.S. Constitution. Voting is as American as baseball and barbeques.
In the 2006 election, Santa Barbara County had 176,717 registered voters; The Channels hopes that this number will significantly increase for this year’s election. We believe that everyone with the right to vote should do so. It is not enough that only 50-percent of the county’s population of qualified voters have registered.
This election will effect the younger generation the most. It’s obvious that jobs are being lost across the country, and depending on who is in office, the job market that students will enter in the following years will be very different.
Obama has proposed a 10-year plan that would include spending $150 billion toward alternative energy projects that would create an estimated five million jobs.
McCain’s believes that a long-term plan to lower corporate taxes, give technology incentives, and control small business operating costs is the best way to foster job creation.
The Presidential election is also very important internationally.
The American economy affects all the major stock markets around the globe, and when Wall Street drops, so do other markets.
This means lower starting salaries, less money for health care and other benefits and higher interest rates on student loans.
With the recent financial crisis, the people need to make an informed decision of who they believe is the right person to lead the country, and turn things around.
McCain and Obama have obvious differences in foreign policies and relations. Obama wants dialogue, whereas McCain wants military muscle.
Everyone is affected by the War on Terror in some way; a brother, a sister, cousin, or close friend.
Votes on how this country will handle international affairs could either end this war in Iraq or prolong it, and determine how America will approach future conflicts.
The Channels encourages everyone to get informed on state and county issues, measures and propositions.
The younger generation has the most to gain from this election and also has the most to lose. So, get off your couch. Register to vote. And on Election Day: be a part of shaping this great nation’s future.
Without your vote, decisions will be made without you.