The Progressive Center of Texas - For the people, by the people, of the people

Community leaders speak their minds, inspire us, share their visions, and challenge our thinking.

FEATURED WRITER:

Mark Smith
Mark Smith is a Senior at the School of Government and Law Magnet at the Yvonne A. Ewell Townview Center. He is a youth activist, member of the Student World Assembly, and the End Poverty 2015 Millennium Campaign. In order to live up to our ideal of democracy we must include the silent youth.

We must include the silent youth.

For the People, by the People, of the People.

Abraham Lincoln stated "government of the people, by the people, for the people, shall not perish from the earth." On the day I write this article in July 2009, I am disturbed by the shocking reality that this government of, by, and for the people has indeed perished in the United States.

Why do I think this? Because the below-18 age group, has been significantly ignored by elected officials who "serve the people.” The people they serve are the people that elect them, 18 and above. This leads to only one conclusion - those below the age of 18 are not people.

My rationale may be out of the ordinary but it is a unique and viable observation. Public officials and other members of the public who have authority tend to not recognize youths’ opinion or fail to acknowledge our efforts to make a difference on key issues. Is this because the older generation has warmed up to the saying "kids should be seen and not heard?”

If I'm not mistaken, the Constitution was written to accommodate all age groups. Yet those elected to uphold the Constitution are the same that ignore the constitutional right of the youth to be heard! What else needs to be said? The youth has and will continue to be dehumanized because of our inactiveness in the government of the people, by the people, for the people. The youth has and will continue to be denied acknowledgment of our 1st amendment right.

We are inactive because of the lack of opportunity and support in the community. It’s not that we don't want to be aware of the issues and act upon them. The problem is that the older generation has downplayed our value in society. Our desire to want to be involved is priceless. Public officials who take the time to listen to us and even act on our opinions are priceless. Bridging a community in Dallas to Washington, D. C. politics is priceless. Devaluing the youths’ voice is worthless because you can’t devalue something that's priceless.

The importance of youth awareness and activism is crucial for the future of this nation and our world. Because of its high importance I will write at a later date more in depth on the topic. I’ll also write about my journey as a youth activist.
From today's article I only ask that you walk away with two things: understand the youths’ struggle to be heard and not be shut out of society and gain the will to build a partnership with the youth in your community.

Mark A. Smith II
senator12tx@gmail.com

CONTACT

OTHER ARTICLES
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The Industrious Woman.
The Proverbs woman, says Anyaa, is an industrious woman who cares about the bounty of God’s earth and seeks to maintain quality and workmanship with every loop on the loom, which she uses even today.
READ MORE >

Let’s Not Forget About the Elderly.
As health care reform becomes a reality, the care of the frail and elderly must be addressed. The fastest growing segment of the population is comprised of those over the age of 85.
READ MORE >

Youth Power Event.
The Progressive Center hosted Youth Power's first event. Students were invited to ask questions and discuss what was on their minds with a couple of local community leaders.
READ MORE >

What’s a Planet to Do?
Sierra Club leaders talk about
environmental issues affecting our city and state. Elizabeth Walley’s report is full of useful links and information.
READ MORE >

ARCHIVES
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American Workers Need a Fair Chance.

For the People, By the People, of the People.

Maria Arita Looks at One Man’s Mission.

Moving from Disease Care.

Very Few Voters in Local
Elections. Why?

What’s the Profile of Poverty in North Texas?

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