Daniel is a member of the Junior State of America (JSA), a student-run political awareness organization for high school students.
As I watch the Republican National Convention, a multitude of conflicting thoughts race through my head. I am reminded that the United States of America is the land of innovation and freedom; it is one of the few countries where a person living in destitution could become ultimately successful in life. However, I was also disappointed by the deep partisan divide that was so apparent at the Convention.
Of all the speakers, the story of Mia Love inspired me the most -- it was heartfelt and honest. Currently Mayor of Saratoga Springs, Utah, Love truly embodies the American dream. Coming from Haiti to Brooklyn during the mid-20th century, Love's parents came to America with nothing, eventually providing their daughter with a college education and seeing her rise from a simple flight attendant to the happily married and very successful Mayor of Saratoga Spring.
Love stands as an inspiration to American youth today, rising from adversity and running to become the first black Republican woman to ever serve in the United States Congress. Love's story and hard fought struggle for success gives me great hope. She shows that no matter what background you come from, every American has the potential to have a significant impact in this remarkable country. Love spoke so fearlessly and passionately at the convention that both liberals and conservatives were intrigued.
While Mia Love's story and confidence made an unquestionably positive impression, I was somewhat confused by the content of her speech, in which she ruthlessly lambasted President Obama and the Democratic Party. Mia's speech was virtually polluted by these continual criticisms. Mayor Love had such a great potential to promote Romney's status -- almost everybody who was listening to the speech was captivated by her strong tone and unique predicament. However, she continued to endlessly scrutinize Obama, rather than focusing on reasons why voters should choose the Romney-Ryan ticket, reminding me of the deep partisan divide that our nation suffers today.
Why is America so deeply factionalized with such a 'right-or-wrong' mentality? And will this seemingly unbreakable divide ever diminish as my generation matures?
Though the answer to the first question is a puzzling mystery, the answer to the second is actually quite simple. If today's youth are educated to be open-minded statesmen, who work to improve the country through compromise and cooperation, then there is some degree of hope. In an era of strong political apathy, especially among the younger generations, this kind of progress may be difficult and vexing to reach.
We must understand that that the pessimistic, uncompromising attitude political leaders hold today is unnecessary. When we do, there will be hope for a better future, in which politicians work collaboratively to better this great country.