The Power to Change

There are few times when such a small group can define the very fate of our nation. This November the college vote will decide the fate of our nation.  The New York Times came out with an article today about the impact of the college vote and how it will define the outcome of the nation and state elections.

"How and whether millions of college students vote will help determine if Republicans win enough seats to retake the House or Senate, overturning the balance of power on Capitol Hill, and with it, Mr. Obama’s agenda. If students tune out and stay home it will also carry a profound message for American society about a generation that seemed so ready, so recently, to grab national politics by the lapels and shake." The New York Times

Rarely do students or young adults truly have the bargaining chips that they do in this election. The pivotal nature of these elections mean that the powers to be will have to listen to young adults to get our votes. So the question arises what will the voices of college students call for?  As the Seattle Time reported, voter apathy among the youth is normally high so with this close election will college students understand the power they have before its to late?

"Drawing voters to a midterm election is always a challenge. Although the entire U.S. House of Representatives is up for grabs, and roughly a third of the Senate — plus legislative seats and decisions on state ballot measures — midterm elections don't generate the attention presidential elections do." The Seattle Times

The big question is with the importance of this election will college students take the reigns and decide the fate of our nation or will other define the future our on nation for us?

Responsibility the Crime of Our Time

With the deficit climbing the powers to be had a great idea, tax every movement of your money. Suddenly the cash in the shoe box doesn't look so odd.

"One idea for raising taxes to pay down the debt is the bill introduced this February by Rep. Chaka Fattah (D-Pa.). His “Debt Free America Act” (H.R. 4646) would impose a 1 percent “transaction tax” on every financial transaction — whether paid by cash, credit card or any form of financial transfer, the only exception being transactions involving the purchase or sale of stock. Theoretically, everyone would pay one cent on the dollar for every such transaction in America every day — whether $3 million on a $300 million business acquisition, $300 on the purchase of a $30,000 car, or $5 on a $500 ATM withdrawal."--The Hill

Also the federal government had another great idea! Rumors are circulating that confiscation of 401ks and IRA's might fix the budget!

"On August 26, the US Department of Labor issued a news release (http://www.dol.gov/ebsa/newsroom/2010/ebsa082610.html).  It lists the agenda for the joint hearings being held with the Department of Treasury September 14-15, 2010 on what is euphemistically called “lifetime income options for retirement plans.”  The hearings are being conducted by the Labor Department’s Employee Benefits Security Administration." news.coinupdate.com

Articles like this make me excited for my future after college (sarcasm). The people in power are going to keep trying to find ways to "decrease" the deficit. There game plan so far is to sacrifice our future for the "preservation of the present". If we don't get involved soon, if we don't let them know in November, who knows what they will try next. I just can't wait till they find a way to tax the shoe box under my bed. 

The Silence Before the Storm

Bumbershoot is only THREE days away. The volunteers have signed up, the gear is in, so come by our booth during bumbershoot to see what all the fuss is about. If Washington State University was is an example to things come, then our booth is going to be a big hit. At WSU in there hours 90 new members! So stop by our booth (we are by the beer garden) to play a game of water bong and get a sweet Freedom T-shirt.   Buy your tickets today for bumbershoot today by clicking on the link below!

Click here for tickets

Reflections from WSU

I spent four days at Washington State University last week hanging out and talking with my fellow students, to learn more about what issues are  most important to them. I met with a couple Greek houses, and student groups and told them what the Student Freedom Project had to offer, and how only they could change the direction our nation is headed. From talking with the lovely ladies at Delta Delta Delta, i hear concerns about some of the new taxes that are heading their way such as an increase in the cost of tanning and an increase in tuition and student fees. Money and the increases in cost of living, seem to be the most common issues that face college students today.

Overall the statistic and information about what is happening in our state and in our national, came as a great surprise to many. Not many if any of the students i talked with frequently watch the news or read the paper. Many of them are not even registered to vote. The information i was giving them seem to be the first time they were exposed to that information. This all gave me a lot to think about. How will i get the students the information they need to be informed about their nation. Also how do i get the student to register to vote, and prove to them that their voice matters? 

With November just around the corner, and so much riding on this election, i wonder if i will have time to get the college community on board. Will i have success in getting my generation in the fight before its too late....

Letters From the Frontline

This weekend the Student Freedom Project made its maiden voyage into the college community.  With 90 new members and rising, the Student Freedom Project is getting down and dirty with college students and bringing the next generation into the political arena. With tuition on the rise and unemployment climbing, it’s not hard to get college students thinking about their future. Our table at the ‘All Campus Picnic’ at Washington State University was referred  to by some students as the best table at the event. The water pong and Student Freedom Project’s Jones Sodas kept us constantly bombarded by clamoring freshmen.

The Lentil Festival put the Student Freedom Project front and center with the community of Pullman. The exposure gave us the opportunity to talk with community members and learn more about communities and their concerns regarding the state of our economy and how it will effect our college student once they venture off into the real world. The community validated our efforts, in getting the college students involved in politics. There is much traveling ahead of us, and more people and groups to meet.  All that can be said, is waves are being made with Washington college students and Washington State University and is a preview of what’s to come.

A Free Dinner For Freedom

Chris Widener

Freedom isn't free, but the food will be tomorrow at Dumpus Boomers for those in attendance. Come at 5:30pm for the Student Freedom Projects first meet and greet featuring Chris Widener. RSVP on our Facebook page or by emailing me at Asmith@effwa.org, free food will be only for the first 35. So come by and check out the Student Freedom Project and learn how you to can effect the world you will graduate into.

Getting The Ball Rolling

This weekend the Student Freedom Project made its maiden voyage into the college community.  With 90 new members and rising, the Student Freedom Project is getting down and dirty with college students and bringing the next generation into the political arena. With tuition on the rise and unemployment climbing, it's not hard to get college students thinking about their future. Our table at the 'All Campus Picnic' at Washington State University was referred  to by some students as the best table at the event. The water pong and Student Freedom Project's Jones Sodas kept us constantly bombarded by clamoring freshmen.

The Lentil Festival put the Student Freedom Project front and center with the community of Pullman. The exposure gave us the opportunity to talk with community members and learn more about communities and their concerns regarding the state of our economy and how it will effect our college student once they venture off into the real world. The community validated our efforts, in getting the college students involved in politics. There is much traveling ahead of us, and more people and groups to meet.  All that can be said, is waves are being made with Washington college students and Washington State University and is a preview of what's to come.