"A people that values its privileges above its principles soon loses both."

I normally don't use this as a medium for political ramblings, however, I wish that more of today's "inspired youth voters" took what Dwight D. Eisenhower said more seriously, rather than viewing the upcoming election as a chance to gain more privileges. We are a nation founded on the beliefs of the individual. Our right to believe and live according to our own religious doctrine was the cornerstone for the beginning of our great nation. Unfortunately, we have slowly been slipping into a form of tyranny and imperialism in our affairs that has caused us to mistakenly believe that changing to more socialist principles is the answer.

We have moved to a state of expecting our government to have control over our lives rather than merely allowing the government to operate with influence from our lives. We are hoping to choose a new president that will aid us individually as much as possible rather than considering what is best for our nation and its government. This is a prime example of valuing our privileges above our principles. We are willing to forgo the very beliefs that set this country apart from the others in order to exploit free 'benefits' from our government.

What is the goal of the new America?
As a nation, we have come to a crossroads in our decision making that is to shape the majority of our lives as well as the future generations' to come. The problem is too many things to fund and not enough money to fund them all. So we are forced to choose between better medical equipment for those on their deathbeds or better (i.e. fully functional) military equipment for those oversees. Money could be spent to increase police presence in unsafe areas or to fix 'unsafe' roads, bridges, parks, etc. but not both. While still dealing with monetary issues and branching more into the social realm, education is a prevalent example of two distinctively different paths. Should 'No child [be] left behind' by spending extra time and funds on troubled students whose brain will most likely not be their key to success in life, or should we devote extra resources to those with a higher intellectual capacity. Our fear over political correctness has made it easier for funding to be granted for more challenged schools than to allow the best schools to get better. Why are we striving so much for complete equality rather than embracing the individuality and spirit that brought this great nation to power?

I hope that people who have decided to vote for a candidate according to the change they believe can be brought about by his election know what they are really voting for. I hope they understand what their candidate stands for on the less flashy levels than discussed in debates and vote according to their principles rather than their privileges.