When I was younger I didn't realize the repercussions of politics. I came to just accept my parent's ideas on the subject. I have now begun to question the political atmosphere beyond my backyard.

I now realize that in previous years the presidential races inspired many intellectual debates. These conversations were encouraged and considered to be our patriotic duty. The media coverage of the 2004 election has left me disenchanted while more apt to question political authority. I as an American citizen have become more concerned with everyday issues like health care, job markets, or loosing a family member to secure oil fields in Iraq then I was when I was younger. When I pointed out these important issues to an obvious Bush supporter at a Ski banquet he was quick to condemn me as unpatriotic and not supporting our troops. He quickly pointed out 9-...