The Observation Deck

Well when I was young we discussed politics in a playful manor. I remembered during the 92(?) election when I was like 7 saying I wanted Ross Perot to win, but having no idea of any of the real politics behind it. Although even back then my parents would never tell us who they voted for. I don’t know if that was to show us that our vote should be private and our own or if it was to not show that they were not trying to favor one point of view over the other (or maybe it is none of these, I should ask).

I wouldn’t say politics was something really discussed a lot, especially when I was young, however my dad did read the paper almost every day and would discuss things he read at the dinner table (Yes, almost every night I lived with my parents we at dinner together). As we (my siblings and I) grew older and my father was able to hold real conversations with us and over time we began expressing our own opinions, sometimes to his frustration. So perhaps that played a role, but I don’t know. My parents were good about voting but that does not mean that they hit every election. If they ever missed one it was usually a primary.

I think the reason I really started to get interested is because I kept hearing about, reading and seeing things happening that I didn’t agree with or thought were wrong. Thankfully in our country there is a way you can have your voice heard. With me the first thing I could do to share my opinion was vote. I have since then become more vocal about certain issues and make a point to try and stay up to date on as much as possible, especially with things in Lakewood. This is why I attend every council meeting and write about them for the Observer. I want to try and help others stay up to date and know the issues Lakewood is looking at (hopefully I do so unbiased) without them having to attend long winded meeting that can at times last upwards of 3 hours, so they can hopefully make educated decisions and get involved in issues that are important to them.

I don’t know if this answers your question or not, I wasn’t really sure how to answer it. It is hard to look back at your political education because for much of it one might not be aware they are being educated, or should I use the word socialized?

My parents were never very political when I was growing up. My mother was a staunch republican but I never remember her voting. I have never missed a chance to vote. I've always taken my kids with me to vote. Or at least have let them watch me walk in as they go down the hall the opposite way to class. I think it's important for kids to see their parents vote, it needs to be taught to our future generations that voting is an important part of our duty as citizens.

Danielle, I think we're about on the same page with that. My husband and I intentionally go to vote together and bring the kids (so one can keep an eye on the kids while the other votes if need be).

Christopher, thank you so much for your work reporting on the council meetings. I'm interested in what's going on, but with two little ones (and another on the way), it's hard to take the time out to go to the meetings - heck, it's hard to keep track of when they are amongst all the other things we've got going on. I've been to one or two and plan to attend more in the future. I think you're right, it's more of a socialization thing than education. We have family dinner at the table pretty much every night too, with my in-laws who live with us (except that I haven't been able to lately because the strong smells of hot food are triggering nausea because of the pregnancy).

I think there's growing interest in being politically active in younger folks lately, and not just because of Obama like some folks assume, I think it predates his announcing his run for presidency from conversations I had with my peers and younger before then. I hope it's an upward trend, but I want to do what I can to encourage it to continue!