1 Joelle Brown, 21, of Eagle River, Alaska
photo by Brian Adams
Coming of age in the Bush era
Issue #37
By Amy Schroeder
Published: September 12th, 2008 | 4:20pm
From an Alaskan Socialist to a Republican living in Obama country, 20-somethings talk about why they’re voting in the upcoming presidential election and how growing up during the past eight years defines them as a generation
Socialist voting for Barack Obama
Joelle Brown, 21, of Eagle River, Alaska
Occupation: barista and political science and women’s studies major at the University of Alaska-Anchorage.
I don’t vote like my folks: My parents are conservative and are ambivalent to political issues.
Why I like my party: Socialism says that my job at Starbucks is just as valuable as the $50,000 law degree I plan to get. It’s classless, feminist, and non-racist. When people get sick of waiting for affordable healthcare and energy, a higher quality of life, a better connection with their neighbors, and the ability to trust that their interests are really the highest priority for their governmental representatives, we will have a revolution. I know, I sound a little crazy.
My three most important issues when voting: the economy, environmental issues, and social equality.
How the Bush administration has shaped me: I’m a political science major because of the Bush administration. I remember a day in March 2003 when there was a simultaneous international protest against the Iraq invasion. Bush said that no matter what the people wanted, he was going to do it — which makes me want to be a professional shit-checker.
Talking about my generation: I started protesting the Iraq war when I was 16, when we were looking for “weapons of mass destruction.” I made signs, sang Bob Marley songs, and prayed for God to not let the war happen. I felt like my voice was just as valid as anyone else’s, and maybe that’s what this generation is all about: Everyone has a voice now.
and are ambivalent to political issues.
Why I like my party: Socialism says that my job at Starbucks is just as valuable as the $50,000 law degree I plan to get. It’s classless, feminist, and non-racist. When people get sick of waiting for affordable healthcare and energy, a higher quality of life, a better connection with their neighbors, and the ability to trust that their interests are really the highest priority for their governmental representatives, we will have a revolution. I know, I sound a little crazy.
My three most important issues when voting: the economy, environmental issues, and social equality.
How the Bush administration has shaped me: I’m a political science major because of the Bush administration. I remember a day in March 2003 when there was a simultaneous international protest against the Iraq invasion. Bush said that no matter what the people wanted, he was going to do it — which makes me want to be a professional shit-checker.
Talking about my generation: I started protesting the Iraq war when I was 16, when we were looking for “weapons of mass destruction.” I made signs, sang Bob Marley songs, and prayed for God to not let the war happen. I felt like my voice was just as valid as anyone else’s, and maybe that’s what this generation is all about: Everyone has a voice now.
Republican voting for John McCain
Kate Murray, 21, of Chicago
Occupation: political science student at DePaul University.
On my party: Republicans are a party of ideas and values, emphasizing personal responsibility and highlighting the limitlessness of personal achievement. Being conservative is about a lot more than political party labels — it’s a way of life.
My favorite American, Thomas Jefferson, said that government that is big enough to supply everything you need is big enough to take everything you have. The course of history shows that as a government grows, liberty decreases. I love that Republicans respect the rule of law, fight to keep government small, and respect the Constitution.
On McCain: He has an incredible sense of character and duty about him. But it isn’t just his experience that makes him great. He has the experience and the commitment to be a phenomenal leader. McCain isn’t just about the rhetoric, he’s about action. Unlike other candidates, he doesn’t use romantic or idealistic language to rally support. He’s cutting right to the heart of what’s causing this nation to struggle and offering solutions. Sure, it’s great to talk about change, but without a plan, it means nothing. McCain is dedicated to making America better. Most importantly, the fact that McCain has the experience to lead sets him above the rest.
My three most important issues when voting: the economy, immigration, and the War In Iraq.
It’s challenge being the odd lady out in a pro-Obama city: It scares me to see the “idolization” of Obama. People seem to be holding him up as a sort of “golden calf,” which isn’t good for either side of the political isle. I think it’s a bad idea when anyone, Democrat or Republican, becomes so sensationalized that what really matters — the policies and the pragmatic approaches to change — gets totally swept aside. We need realistic policies with realistic leaders who understand the process of government, and people in Chicago seem to be forgetting that. It’s made me take a deeper look at McCain to find out what he’s about and how he plans on leading this nation.
How the Bush administration has shaped me: We’ve all had to realize, through the lens of the Bush administration, that politics aren’t perfect because people aren’t perfect. But at the end of the day, I’m grateful to live in the U.S. because we have to option to criticize.
Talking about my generation: I don’t think my opinion is going to be the most flattering to my generation. After 9/11, you saw people go two separate ways. There are those who understand the value of democracy and how it’s a philosophy. It’s about the fact that all people have a God-given right to freedom. I may not agree with how the war is being run, but I believe in its mission. Our generation, on both sides, is passionate. The generations from the 1980s through Clinton didn’t become vocalized — they didn’t organize under the banner of political ideology like we do.
Democrat voting for Barack Obama
Christine Perrault Moline, 25, of Austin
Occupation: publicist for the University of Texas at Austin College of Fine Arts department.
Why I like my party: The Democratic party promotes autonomy, equality, and sustainability.
On Obama: I’m inspired by him and am hopeful that he will continue to listen to the needs of Americans and am confident that he will continue to unite people of all generations and political backgrounds for the greater good of the nation.
My three most important issues when voting: the economy, education, and healthcare.
My husband and I purchased a home in New Orleans one week before Hurricane Katrina wiped it out: We evacuated to Austin, Texas (with our home files, our laptop, and two casual changes of clothing), and arrived one day before the hurricane hit New Orleans. We re-established our lives (employment, complete wardrobe, furnished residence, stocked pantry) from the ground up in three months, using a list of resources we compiled. The experience restored our faith in humanity as most Austinites were warm and welcoming to ease our transition. This year we closed on our home in North Central Austin, where we reside with our two Chihuahua pound puppies.
How the Bush administration has shaped me: Witnessing an increasing class divide, I’ve taken a strong interest in the needs of humanity. Resources such as living wages and a formal education have become less accessible to the working class as they struggle to maintain the immediate needs of their families. Because of this, I’ve chose to get involved in advocacy work for sustainable living and equality.
Anarchist on the fence
Bambi Weavil, 27, of Wilmington, North Carolina
Occupation: CEO and publisher of OutImpact.com, a gay omnimedia company.
I don’t vote like my folks: They are far more conservative than me. We disagree about most things, but they brought me up to care about the world and to pay attention to current events — so if anything, they taught me to value my intelligence. As a result, I’m a news junkie, artist, and activist.
On my party: If you go with the definition that anarchy is about causing positive change and an open revolution, I think we’re already getting there. It started with people like Martin Luther King Jr., the men and women who fought for a woman’s right to vote, and those involved with the Stonewall Riots. It’s all about opening eyes, being strong in who we are, and creating positive change.
On the presidential candidates: I was all for Hillary Clinton. I thought she was the better person for the job, so now I have to measure up McCain and Obama. This has been such a dirty election, but my vote is most likely going to Obama.
My three most important issues when voting: same-sex marriage, the economy, and poverty.
Talking about my generation: We are the most distrusting of higher authorities to do the right thing. We’ve witnessed betrayal in being mislead by the Bush administration into the Iraq war. I’ll never forget 9/11 — my mother told me a plane had crashed into the World Trade Center. Later in the day, sitting stunned in a classroom, my professor said, “We’ll have class tomorrow if no other planes crash into buildings.” That’s the reality of my generation: We’re in a war that seems neverending; we don’t have universal health care; the daily news is depressing; and gossip is glorified and cashed-in on.
Libertarian voting for Bob Barr
Rebecca Lau, 20, of San Francisco
Occupation: English lit junior at San Francisco State University.
On my party: I believe in Libertarianism’s non-aggression principle. People should do whatever they want as long as it doesn’t harm others, and I think free markets are essential to liberty. I feel that Bob Barr is the lesser of three evils. I don’t trust him due to his previous voting record as a Republican, and I feel that he was only nominated for name recognition. His platform is not pure Libertarian, and the party has sacrificed some of its principles just to get recognition.
My three most important issues when voting: Education, gun control, and taxes.
On being a Libertarian in San Francico: It’s frightening. There’s this attitude that you can’t say anything that doesn’t fit into their liberal PC point of view because “This is San Francisco.” The phrase disgusts me. San Francisco is a very diverse place: It has people of different ethnicities, genders, sexualities, and classes, but everyone is still expected to think in the exact same way. It’s a horrible existence to be a conservative or a libertarian in San Francisco, because there is no place for us.
Talking about my generation: They don’t know facts, only propaganda. I hear “Fuck Bush” all the time but no reasons why. The Internet has changed everything — some people are well educated about politics because of the Internet, and some don’t care. Although this generation is often accused of being apathetic, I’m proud to be part of a generation that realizes that protests do not work. Young people who have grown up during Bush have seen corruption and lies and are smart enough to stay away from politics.
How the Bush administration has shaped me: Initially the Bush administration made me want to be a radical. I wasn’t interested in politics until the War In Iraq started.
Green Party supporter voting for Barack Obama
Andrea Rice, 26, of Brooklyn
Occupation: freelance music writer and clerical news assistant for the New York Times company.
On my party: I’m going Green after the upcoming election when the Democrats take back the White House. The Green Party is a populist entity based on America’s number-one slogan — “For the people, by the people” — that seems to have become obsolete. That’s what it’s all about, the people — not power, not oil, and most certainly not war. What’s not to like about a party that stands for peace, democracy, freedom, and human rights? Plus, the Green Party cares about the environment, and they’re the fastest growing party that has the most potential to eventually serve as a third party in the majority. I’ve always considered myself as independent a woman as they come, so it would make sense to affiliate myself with the number-one independent party in America.
On Obama: This is a time where we desperately need a change of colors in the White House. If I vote Green, that’s one less vote against Red. It’s true what they say with Republicans and Democrats — it’s the same shit but different piles. It’s time for a new pile of shit. All I want is for Republicans to end their reign of the war on terror so that new power and change can come to order. Obama equals progress. This election is just too crucial, and I can’t afford to vote any other way. This is the last election I will vote for one of the majority parties.
My three most important issues when voting: environmental issues and global warming, healthcare, and the War In Iraq/foreign policy.
How the Bush administration has shaped me: Ever since my trip to Europe a few summers ago, I’ve adamantly opposed the Bush administration. I was never a fan to begin with, but when I had to defend myself as an intelligent American, I realized the world’s perception of our country after Bush was re-elected. Everywhere I traveled and every person I encountered, I was probed with the same line of questioning: “Why did you people re-elect Bush?” or “Your country is crazy, stupid,” etc. Most of Europe, from what I saw, is opposed to the Bush Administration and against the War In Iraq.
Independent voting for Barack Obama
Kristen Kersey, 20, of Washington, D.C.
Occupation: History and communication junior at American University.
How I describe my politics: I’m an independent who leans Democratic. When people ask about my political viewpoint, they tend to assume I’m a Democrat, mostly because I’m the sort of liberal whom Rush Limbaugh has nightmares about.
I like being Independent because: I can’t vote in primaries, sure, but if I was a registered Democrat, I think I would feel pressured to vote all Democrat all the time. I’d rather maintain my independence and vote for the candidate I believe in.
Why I like Obama: In the midst of a sinking economy and a never-ending war, I think Americans need his optimism. Obama seems to inspire something in a lot of people, and the comparisons to JFK aren’t exaggerated. If he can restore a sense of optimism to American politics, then he can get anything done.
My three most important issues when voting: abortion, the economy, and the War In Iraq/foreign policy.
How the Bush administration has shaped me: It’ll influence my generation in 30 to 40 years when we’re the ones in power. Growing up in this time is about witnessing a real return to right-wing politics. The conservative Christians are working harder than ever to bring women’s rights and reproductive freedom back into the Stone Age; people are still unable to get over the fact that Obama’s middle name is Hussein and that he might be a “secret Muslim.” People’s phones and e-mail accounts are being tapped, and no one’s standing up for the average citizen’s rights.
Talking about my generation: We’re deeply divided. Half of today’s young people don’t care about politics — they avoid CNN unless the story’s about what happened to Spencer and Heidi on The Hills the night before. The other half are rabid news watchers, bloggers, and cynics who see what’s happening to the world and just accept it. They want the optimism that Obama is talking about, but they’re not totally convinced it can happen.
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WHAT YOU SAID
In a summertime venuszine.com survey, we asked Venus Zine readers to get specific about their political views in time for the
presidential election.
On the next 5 pages, we’ve highlighted the stats that illustrate our readers: primarily young female Americans.
63%, DEMOCRAT
4%, GREEN PARTY
17%, INDEPENDENT
4%, LIBERTARIAN
2%, REPUBLICAN
10%, OTHER
28 average age of Venus Zine voter
Do you vote like your folks?
42% have the same political affiliation as their parents
Top issues: what topics do you care about most?
1. the War in Iraq/foreign policy
2. the environment
3. healthcare
How politically active are you?
8% DON’T consider themselves active
43% are politically active
38% consider themselves above average
11% are extremely active
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