2007 is not Over Yet.
I rang in the 2007 New Year at a Sunday night party hosted by my ex-boyfriend and his sister. As the New Year was brought in with boisterous shouts and Le Tigre's "Deceptafreak," not one of us was thinking about the current issues in today's world.
Six months later, I feel that I have grown up. I have matured for the better and have held an even deeper concern for the current issues of today's world. 2006 was also full of activism, but with recent struggles such as the latest immigration rallies, the worsening of the situation in Darfur, and the growing civil unrest in Mexico, Iran and Uganda, I have learned that I cannot take the backseat. Such affairs are daunting to the every day politician; and much more so, to the average American teenager who is constantly fighting an uphill battle to be heard. With most kids my age more concerned with their iPods, cell phones, Abercrombie & Fitch, and other material possessions, the fight to be heard amongst your own peers if often times the most strenuous battle.
Although, 2007 has brought forth changes in the world that 2006 could only hope for. In matters of Darfur, a corporate powerhouse has decided to cease dealings with Sudan for the time being. The Coca Cola Company, who depends largely on ingredients from Sundan, stopped business with the government in April. In addition, but Coca Cola also set up an amazing awareness and beneficial program. As sponsors of the popular television show "American Idol," the Coca Cola Company has agreed to donate $1 to the Save Darfur Coalition for every vote cast by phone for the contestants. Such a change is related to customer demand.
As for immigration, a recent agreement has been made. Although likely to be appealed many times over, the loose bill sets the foundation for what might be a solution to the often-debated topic of immigration. The bill details rules for illegal immigrants already living in the United States. They may choose to stay, if they are willing to go through the process of becoming an American citizen, or they must leave after a small grace period. Although the decision is still a subject of argument between political parties of all kinds, such a decision can lay the framework for a future policy on an issue that has been argued since the early 20th century.
Living in 2007 is like looking in to a crystal ball. The future is being made for America- and the world- with every passing moment. The power to change the future is not a myth. The effects of this power are seen in the great leaps taken by businesses and the government in the past six months. Our voices have been, and they will continue to be in years to come. Our actions today affect tomorrow. Living in 2007 means progress and justice. And this year isn’t over yet!
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