War is a part of our society. For the majority of my life, my country (America) has been at war. I have become used to hearing news reports of road side bombs, soldiers wounded or dead, and civilian death. People become used to hearing these things and after a while it becomes secondary. The extreme seriousness of war and its consequences come second to what is going on that day, what TV shows are on, what chores need to be done.
The people that are in charge of the war effort, do not always have the country’s best interests at heart. While politicians worry about getting elected the next term, American citizens are being killed, and killing the enemy almost blindly.
We are stuck in a war that is depleting much needed resources. Billions of dollars every year go to the war effort. Tax payer money is spent on the manufacturing of weapons of mass destruction. The American public’s money is used to kill. To me, it seems like a backwards system. It is illegal not to pay taxes, but the taxes you do pay are being used to finance war -- a war that many people do not support. It is ridiculous that the same people who are actively trying to stop war are legally responsible to fund it.
I feel like humans are not truly united. Instead of respect and equality, people choose violence, oppression and power. I know I sound naive and probably cliché’, but why do we not have peace? Why can’t the population of earth see past external and religious differences, and see that we are really all the same. Why can’t we see that as humans we are infinitively more similar than different.
I am getting older every day and closer to voting age. Very soon my generation will be the adult generation. I have hope for the future. I truly believe that if enough effort is put forth, anything can be achieved. Even if it seems at times that there are more people against you than with you, it is important to never give up. Humans are blessed with the innate ability of determination. It is up to you to use it or not, but if you waste it there is no one else to blame for the world’s problems.
Besides voting, there are many other things that people can do to make a difference. Just telling other people about your views and opinions can help. A great way to do this is through art. Art allows someone to express their views in a creative interesting way, while the viewer gains a new perspective.