Spring Break
Change begins with us
Editorial Board
Issue date: 11/7/08 Section: Ed-Op
The Triangle's Editorial Board would like to congratulate President-elect Barack Obama, the 44th President of the United States. This has been a monumental election, one that our generation will not soon forget.
Following this election, with our ever-so-volatile economy and so many other issues at stake, the United States will encounter a significant shift from the static politics of the last few years.
It is important for young people to remain active and their voices heard in this upcoming term, not only because of the impact that political decisions will have on our futures, but also because we are encountering a changing America - and we are leading it in many ways.
Our generation voted overwhelmingly to shift the direction in which the country is going; but to this end, we must continue to do everything in our power to be a part of that shift, and we must hold Obama just as accountable as we would any other president.
Take advantage of what our generation has to offer - not only can we have our voice heard by attending events such as protests and organizing political movements, but we can also implement the technology our generation is known for to voice our opinions.
PC World reported Nov. 6 that, "On Facebook alone, 932,839 users donated their status message to remind others to vote, and over 5 million reported that they had cast their ballot, reminding others in their networks to vote via newsfeed updates."
The Obama campaign even implemented a new web site, www.change.gov, in an effort to inform voters about the presidential transition and the people that will be members of Obama's cabinet.
David Sarno of the Los Angeles Times wrote Nov. 7: "Without a doubt, the election was a high-water mark for activity on the web. Not only did news sites see record traffic … but marquee new media communities such as Twitter, YouTube, Facebook and Digg hummed from morning to night. A generation of web users was busy taking video, sharing personal stories, offering commentary and generally showing that just watching an election is no longer the optimal way to participate in one."
Sure, you can use Facebook and Twitter to follow your latest crush around, to see pictures from many a drunken night or to rant to the world about your own pet peeves, but how about we start taking advantage of our skills (yes, social networking is a skill - just ask any Fortune 500 company) and put them to better use?
Simply electing Obama will not bring change to the country overnight; we must continue to be a part of the dialogue and drive the changes that we want to see.
Following this election, with our ever-so-volatile economy and so many other issues at stake, the United States will encounter a significant shift from the static politics of the last few years.
It is important for young people to remain active and their voices heard in this upcoming term, not only because of the impact that political decisions will have on our futures, but also because we are encountering a changing America - and we are leading it in many ways.
Our generation voted overwhelmingly to shift the direction in which the country is going; but to this end, we must continue to do everything in our power to be a part of that shift, and we must hold Obama just as accountable as we would any other president.
Take advantage of what our generation has to offer - not only can we have our voice heard by attending events such as protests and organizing political movements, but we can also implement the technology our generation is known for to voice our opinions.
PC World reported Nov. 6 that, "On Facebook alone, 932,839 users donated their status message to remind others to vote, and over 5 million reported that they had cast their ballot, reminding others in their networks to vote via newsfeed updates."
The Obama campaign even implemented a new web site, www.change.gov, in an effort to inform voters about the presidential transition and the people that will be members of Obama's cabinet.
David Sarno of the Los Angeles Times wrote Nov. 7: "Without a doubt, the election was a high-water mark for activity on the web. Not only did news sites see record traffic … but marquee new media communities such as Twitter, YouTube, Facebook and Digg hummed from morning to night. A generation of web users was busy taking video, sharing personal stories, offering commentary and generally showing that just watching an election is no longer the optimal way to participate in one."
Sure, you can use Facebook and Twitter to follow your latest crush around, to see pictures from many a drunken night or to rant to the world about your own pet peeves, but how about we start taking advantage of our skills (yes, social networking is a skill - just ask any Fortune 500 company) and put them to better use?
Simply electing Obama will not bring change to the country overnight; we must continue to be a part of the dialogue and drive the changes that we want to see.
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