Muni News
January 2002 Volume 92, Issue 1

America Under Attack!
America At War!
America Stands United!

Headlines flash by on television and newspapers across the country. Every day the radio blares more facts and statistics about the recent crisis that has overtaken our land. I went to New York, and I saw firsthand the devastation that took place there. I just got back from Los Angeles, where west coasters are struggling under the inconvenience of heightened airport security, and I finally returned home to Seattle to find people burdened with the prospect of an uncertain future. I have been traveling across this great nation to tour universities and colleges where I might spend the next four years of my life. At all of the campuses I visited, I found an environment where learning is the ultimate goal, and I realized for the first time just how important my education is. Although New York and Los Angeles are two different cities on two different coastlines, the people in both states taught me that as Americans we secure our freedoms through our education.

Education is many things. It is knowledge of history, politics, math, science, literature, and economics. It is a base to stand on to get acquainted with the world. It is also a tool that we use in America to make informed decisions. As a country that values equality in our government, we believe that every citizen should have the right to vote. The right to vote comes with the privilege of living in this country, but it also comes with responsibility. As citizens we have the responsibility to educate ourselves as to who we are voting for. Education offers us the luxury of being able to decide who will make the best candidate, who will lead our local government offices, and who has the best interest of the people at heart. Without education, we would not be able to discriminate between a mayor who will tax us unfairly on our property values, and a mayor who will try to alleviate traffic congestion. A well-rounded education is what gives us insight into issues that define our lives.

The central issues in America today revolve around the Constitution, and the Bill of Rights. Americans are standing up for their rights, and in some cases forfeiting freedoms in the interest of national security. Our freedom of press, and freedom of speech are in question, and the very core of the Constitution is being tested. Some of the most educated people in America are left with innumerable questions, and very few answers. In times like these what can we do as citizens? We can reason our actions logically, and use our minds to develop strategies for survival. Every citizen in America can protect their way of life by watching the news, and remaining informed about current events. Merely listening to our President address the nation is enough to dwell on for weeks. By using an education to understand current issues we can hope to protect some of our freedoms, so that we never lose sight of what we stand for.