University Star

I am sure students can recall the Obama rally held in February 2008.

Sewell Park was teeming with a mixture of curious students and excited supporters that Wednesday evening. The park was filled with people before the event. The excitement over the promises of change that charged through people had almost become a tangible thing. There was hope for change.

It is no secret young students and adults were one of the main forces behind Obama throughout his campaign. The idea of change was a force that engaged students and gave them a passion for politics that had been absent for a long time. But that force has waned and flickered out since the election.

I don’t believe it is a lack of interest in politics that has lessened the excitement about Obama and his policies. Texas State still remains an active campus in regards to politics, but it is obvious that involvement has calmed down considerably. It has more to do with the seeming lack of progress and a feeling of being stagnant as all wait for the great change Obama mentioned. It is the wait, while all seems to fall into chaos that takes away from the credibility of his ability.

It cannot be expected every one of his policies would have been fulfilled by now, but not enough has happened to keep his strongest supporters engaged. It is a lack of direction. Young adults and students get bombarded daily with issues that need immediate solutions while no clear plan of involvement is offered. Political scientist Mike Wagner of the The Associated Press for Yahoo news said “it’s tough for young people — or any American, for that matter — to know how to get involved in issues with solutions that aren’t always so clear-cut.” Yes, very tough.

There has to be clear communication, or some kind of common ground, so both government and individuals have the opportunity for understanding. I would hate to see the wave of influence by young Americans become extinct because of lack of direction. There was something intense about how much power was held in the hands of voters throughout the election process, for supporters of both McCain and Obama.

The best thing to reignite the fire would be if Obama were able to simply accomplish some basic things. It would help with the unrest that is causing some to believe they no longer hold a voice in government. Obama needs to reconnect with the people who were essential for his success. He needs to reach out and give directions; otherwise he will lose what he gained through miscommunication.

–Ammie Jimenez is an English junior