I'm going to be able to vote in the 2008 presidential election. This being said, I've been learning more about politics and where I stand on the issues in our society. I don't think its right to automatically vote democrat or republican. It's not logical. I tend to agree with the Republican point of view on many issues, but there are some things I prefer the democratic ideas. However, this being said, the democrat party is extremely spread out. Some democrats are very liberal--promoting gay marriage, abortion, etc. Others, however, are much more conservative. I don't have a problem with the conservative end of the democratic party, which I believe carries more effective ideas for the education system. But how can I vote for a party that supports ideas I'm strongly against, just because I agree with part of their views? I would rather vote for an independent or a republican than vote in someone who will allow gay marriage and abortion. I, as an individual, am strongly against these things. I know many people aren't. But I can't vote for someone over the minor issues. The presidential election will rely solely on the major issues in our society--gay marriage, the Iraqi war, abortion. The democratic party is too far-stretched right now for me to consider voting them in.
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If you are interested in learning more about politics, don't wait for a presidential election to get involved. Presidential candidates have worked their way to the top from their localities. If you want to change the system, I think you have to start at the bottom. Although it may not happen overnight, the most effective way for today's students to make a lasting change is for them to get involved in politics at a local level.
Like you, I am frustrated with the "set in stone" beliefs of the political parties. Historically, the Democratic party has been in favor of a big federal government, and the Republicans have been more in favor of allowing the state and local governments to deal directly with the needs of the people, while it takes on problems that must be handled centrally, ie defense. This makes sense to me. Every state has its own particular needs, but often they can't deal with them effectively because so much of a citizens tax money goes to the feds.
Unfortunately, the base beliefs of the parties have gotten sidetracked by people's personal beliefs and opinions - which no laws will ever change. Ie, making abortion illegal doesn't stop abortion. There will always be people willing to perform one, for extraordinarily high prices under unsanitary conditions, and there will always be desparate young women who will lose their lives or their ability to bear children in the future due to incompetant surgeons.
BTW - I googled my way to this site while researching Merck's "Tell Someone" ad - I'm only young at heart (57), and, although I live my mom's mantra, "Learn something new every day" I am not enrolled in any educational institution.
However, this seems like a very cool site for people who will soon be adults. If you were to ask me for advice, I would tell you that the most important thing for you to do when trying to decide where you stand on a particular situation is to do your own research and make your own decisions. Don't rely on what other people tell you - especially the media. When I was in high school, I took journalism and was told that the only place for a jounalist's personal opinion was on the editorial page - they were only supposed to report the facts. That stance has taken a 180, not entirely with individual journalists, but by their employers. Somebody kick this soapbox out from under me.
Sandi