Youth, don't let the wool be pulled over your eyes!

Well, there is certainly much excitement and publicity in regard to the upcoming presidential election......too bad there wasn't this much hype over the recent gubbernatorial race. Anyone following this election knows that Barack Obama is appealing to the younger demographic (18-29) and he is also garnering a fair amount of support from the older demographic. In fact, the recent breakdown of voters (race,gender,age,socioeconomic) indicates that Obama is attracting voters from everywhere! His orations paint pictures of an idyllic United States: we will evacuate from the Middle East, everyone will have health insurance, and our flawed education system will be revamped. I mean the montage of images in collaboration with Sean Kingston's powerful song "Changes" lucidly illustrates the suffering and harrowing issues our society faces. Fortunately, one candidate can revive and restructure a screwed up society. If you can't tell by now I'm playing Devil's advocate and trying to nuance Barack's message of change. Barack is a charismatic candidate, a superb orator, and an individual whose heart is likely with the downtrodden and impoverished. However, his campaign efforts have somewhat deceived the youth. He, unlike Hilary and Edwards, did oppose the war from the start. However, he doesn't yet have a clear evacuation plan. His health care plan, contrary to belief, will not insure every individual. His plan is not for universal health care because he believes the premiums are too high for some adults and some will have to pay a fine. However, his plan will insure every child. My point is not to dissuade people from voting for Obama, because I feel he is an excellent candidate. I am simply aiming to make the point that youth, like adults, are often persuaded by propaganda. Obama's campaign ads are saturated with propaganda, from the dazzling theatrics that mirror a concert to the use of a popular music artist and montage of mawkish images. He evokes many positive feelings not only in youth, but in many adults. But lets approach not just Barack, but all candidates with caution. Hopefully, we are all educated voters who will not be easily hoodwinked through some political propaganda. And lets hope that teens significantly impact this election, like I believe they will, but have knowledge of candidates' policies before heading off to the polling stations.