The Infamous Ink

While I’m still a little disappointed that the other half of my graduating class gets to have Earth, Wind, and Fire perform at their commencement, I was honored yesterday to hear Dan Rather speak at my graduation ceremony.

Rather spoke, as he often does, of courage. He was speaking not only to those of us who had chosen journalism as their field, but to any of us who used writing. He encouraged us to challenge those who are in power, to not be intimidated by its instruments. Rather did not indulge the simple cliche of saying we are the future; instead, he told us that we are the now; he warned us not to wait to follow our dreams and to change the world and make it in the image that we want it.

These are words that I try to take to heart whenever I sit down to write, whether it be political commentary, diary, or fictional stories. Courage and the willingness to challenge the conventions of society are important. Rather reminded us that democracy is not the sole responsibility of people in Washington or the state legislature: it is on all of us to preserve it.

Journalists are not the only people who must hold those in power accountable. With the growth of the internet, it is now possible for people to understand the world in a limitless number of ways: the barriers to information and freedom are being torn down as we speak, but we must not forget to exercise that right and keep the powers that be in check.

I ask that if you’re voting for John Mccain, you question his policies, and you hold him accountable to the Constitution. I ask that if you’re voting for Obama, you force him to uphold the oath of office. No matter who you choose to elect, I ask that you never stop questioning them. Had we maintained our courage and been more willing to challenge our current President, we would not be in the shape we are in now.

In America, we the people are in charge.

P.S. Congratulations to everyone from the class of 2008