The importance of politics had always escaped me as a child . I thought it was all such a joke, men and women calling each other names and fighting dirty just to gain power. They rivaled children in immaturity in that regard. I always thought politicians were evil, short sighted people who were easy to corrupt, and the voices of the select few who had the will to help the public were lost in the crowd. Speaking to older people about politics didn't help either. Grumpy, argumentative people who were too set on their ways or beliefs and who thought the whole country should be run based on their values set no better example for me. That was the main thing for me, I believed that as a country, we were all different and could not be ruled under the same strict blanket. For a country to be successful, we must compromise and think of the greater good, and sometimes agreeing to disagree.
As I grow older, I'm beginning to realize the immense importance of my vote and the effects on my life. I learned that I had to set an example, and be a positive role model for my little brother, who is of voting age. I believe the effects of your actions and beliefs radiate and affect people you may never know existed. I vow to think cognitively and keep an open mind on issues and vote for the greater good.
However, it's hard this day and age to get your peers interested in politics. I wanted to think of a cool and creative way to get my friends involved, and in light of the upcoming debates, I've decided to bring my friends together in the best way I knew how..
Presidential Debate Drinking Party!
The first step in motivating people to get involved in politics was to make them start paying attention to politics. And although some people may wake up the next day not remembering anything from the night prior, at least I can put associate a positive feeling to politics in general.
Every good drinking party involves rules, so I've drafted a few for you to use at your drinking party!
When someone mentions 47%: drink 47% of your drink.
When someone mentions Ambassador Chris Stevens: pour out your drink.
When someone mentions the Middle East: Irish car bombs for everyone (I haven't decided if this is distasteful yet).
When someone mentions redistribution of wealth: swap your drink with someone else's.
When someone mentions oil: cigarette break.
When someone mentions foreign policy: last one with their hands up has to leave the living room and go into the kitchen and get everyone a drink.
Happy debate watching! Don't forget to vote!
xx, laura
