A BUZZFLASH READER CONTRIBUTION
by Rollyn Carlson

Adolescence and young adulthood are wonderful blips in our time on this planet. All things, no matter how improbable, are possible. Fantasy rules. Ugly facts, like it will take over half a lifetime to pay back a college loan, haven't smacked you between the eyes. Hero worship manifests itself as "groupie-ism." Rock musicians are soulful artists who really mean the lyrics they sing. Politicians really mean what they say in those speeches.

If all goes well, we grow out of our groupie phase of development. We realize that most rock stars are way more attractive on stage than they are behind the stage. The same goes for politicians.

In 1972, I read "If you meet the Buddah on the Road, Kill Him" by Sheldon Kopp. It helped me give up my self-destructive bootlicking habit that did absolutely nothing for me other than leave a bad taste in my mouth.

And so, I approached the 2008 primary season with caution. I know that neither Senator Obama nor Senator Clinton are deities. They are human beings who happen to be politicians, each with their share of Achilles' heels. I thought both candidates were strong. Each had policies I agreed with. Each had policies I disagreed with. Each candidate also had followers who lobbed unprecedented nastiness at the other. In fact, the self-appointed apostles of both candidates have taken grade school playground name calling to a pinnacle that I don't think has been seen in recent history.

I know that analysis of voting populations indicates that people under 35 have not been showing up at the polls for over two decades. The actual numbers of young adults voting is worse than bad; "stinks" is a word that comes to mind. I know that the most consistent Democratic voters are over 50. I have looked at the numbers following elections and the people voting are old, older, and oldest. That's not an opinion, that's simply a fact.

So when I showed up at the polls for the Texas primary, I stopped outside and just stood there for a moment. In essence, I looked at the metaphorical cards and made a bet. We need the under 35 vote to win this election. I made a bet that would have caused a seasoned political operative to burst out laughing. I voted for the candidate I thought could pull the most energy into a campaign that we simply cannot afford to lose. I bet on the under 35 crowd and voted for Senator Obama.

I'm betting on a generation of young women who are losing their reproductive rights and give a blank stare when this is pointed out to them. Elections don't interest them very much.

I'm betting on young men who don't care to fight wars in the Middle East, but are too busy watching big screen TVs and will tell you that elections just don't interest them very much.

I'm betting on people who are trying to work their way through college while taking out loans that will take years to repay, but they don't see that elections have much to do with them.

I'm betting on that generation. And I know that I stand to have political wonks do the "I told you so" dance in my face on the morning of November 5, 2008.

I'm betting on a group that is exhibiting a "groupie" mentality I find disturbing. They haven't gotten involved in the political process before, and they are transfixed by someone that they see almost as a "savior." Senator Obama is not a savior. He is a politician whose policies will help this age group make future strides. Strides that will be all but impossible if John McCain is elected.

I'm betting on a group that will almost certainly dissipate if, God help us, we lose this election. We won't see them again until the next rock-star quality politician comes along. And once again, they will follow the candidate because that candidate gives them a thrill, instead of supporting the candidate because of solid policies.

I have been called a "Stepford Wife" because I did not vote for Senator Clinton. I have spent 20 years fighting for women's reproductive rights, working long hours while a single mother, and working as a Democratic Party Field Director. That charge cuts deeply, and I feel a cold fury having to quietly explain that I made a calculated decision to people who know better.

I have doubled down, folks. I'm betting that you are going to get involved and understand why our government is important. I'm betting that you are going to understand that we are a nation of laws. I'm betting that you are going to understand why we protect our "commons." I'm betting that you will stop following and start leading. I'm betting that you will go to the polls not only for national elections, but also for state and local elections. I'm betting on you. Don't let me down. More importantly, don't let our country down.

A BUZZFLASH READER CONTRIBUTION

Rollyn Carlson

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