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The Junior Statement - April
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THE JUNIOR STATEMENT The Official Newsletter of the Junior State of America (JSA)
JSA Be the People
April 2012 Volume 1, Issue 5
As Spring State nears The Statement Rolls on By: Iman Baghai
First off, thank you for reading The Junior Statement. The Statement will help bridge the gap between JSAers all over the nation. This will be the ninth edition of The Statement and the fifth full edition. This month’s issue will consist of the usual diverse topics discussed in The Statement from JSA news to foreign policy to Obamacare and even foolish advice. I urge you to check out the articles and discuss them with your peers. It is through these discussions that we can become more educated citizens. Again if ANYONE is interested in writing for The Statement on pretty much anything then please do not hesitate to contact me at [email protected] Also, if you have any feedback we'd love to hear from y'all.
Page 2 Obamacare Page 3 North Korea and Nukes Page 4 Issaquah Minicon Page 5-6 Iran and Israel Page 6-7 Syria Page 7-9 Foolish Advice
THE JUNIOR STATEMENT The Official Newsletter of the Junior State of America (JSA)
JSA Be the People
Constitutionality of Obamacare
By: Karthik Palaniappan PNW 2012
The Affordable Care Act or “Obamacare” was
passed by President Obama back in 2010 and many consider
it his landmark domestic achievement. It aims to lower
healthcare costs for everybody and close holes. These holes
include insurance companies denying coverage because of
preexisting conditions or imposing lifetime limits on the
amount of healthcare one can buy. This healthcare law
would prevent insurance companies from doing this, which
most agree is constitutional. There are other minor
provisions. The main constitutional debate, the centerpiece
of the whole law, is the “individual mandate.” The law
requires that all individuals buy health insurance or pay a
penalty—a tax of the same amount as a basic healthcare
plan. Only Native Americans and undocumented aliens are
exempt. This mandate, the framers of the law argue, is
necessary to keep costs down for everyone. The law expands
Medicaid to cover more low-income families, and forces
states to create health care “exchanges” for people to choose
from insurance plans and also prevents insurance companies
from discriminating against women or people with
preexisting conditions. Obviously, without the mandate,
premiums would skyrocket and companies would go
bankrupt. To provide healthcare for unhealthy people, the
law adds healthy people to the market as a counterbalance.
The question is: does Congress have the power to mandate
everyone buy healthcare?
Many believe Congress does not have this power.
Even a liberal interpretation of the Constitution would not
allow Congress to force Americans to buy health insurance.
In Wickard v. Filburn the Supreme Court said Congress
could regulate home-grown wheat that was only for the
farmer’s personal use—not interstate commerce. In that case,
overproduction of wheat was affecting interstate commerce,
so the Court stretched the Constitution. Many conservatives
would not even go that far, but Obamacare is even worse.
Even if this brings down costs (which is debatable), it is a
huge usurpation of power by the federal government. The
states can regulate healthcare just the same, and states like
Massachusetts and Hawaii have already done so. However,
if the federal government suddenly has the power to force
someone into commerce who would not otherwise enter
commerce, our liberties are at stake. The founders intended
with the Bill of Rights that the federal government could not
trespass on our individual liberties—our freedoms. If this is
constitutional, it sets a precedent that Congress has virtually
unlimited power in commerce—that is not what the founders
intended, and that is not what the American people want. In
fact, an ABC/Washington Post poll found that 67% of
Americans either oppose the law completely or want to
repeal the individual mandate. Only 25% strongly support
the law.
Others believe that the mandate is constitutional.
This law does fit with past Supreme Court precedents. The
wheat grower case set the precedent that Congress can deal
with anything that affects interstate commerce. Healthcare is
very unlike other industries—you will never know
definitively when you will need healthcare and when you
will not—so it’s not a free market. As a society we have
decided that people who end up in the ER and do not have
healthcare should receive care. This obligation affects
interstate commerce because federal tax dollars are used to
pay for that care (so taxpayers in Washington have to pay for
healthcare for a sick person in Oregon). Under the current
system, this is very inefficient. 5% of patients incur 50% of
THE JUNIOR STATEMENT The Official Newsletter of the Junior State of America (JSA)
JSA Be the People
the healthcare costs according to a CNN documentary on
healthcare. The easiest way to save money is to insure that
everyone, including the 5%, have access to preventative care
so that some or most will not need the expensive treatments
that cost so much money. Hence, this law prevents insurance
companies from imposing lifetime caps or denying coverage
for people with preexisting conditions. It can also be
considered constitutional by the taxing and spending powers
of Congress. McCulloh v. Maryland set that Congress had
implied powers, including broad taxing and spending
powers. The “mandate” is not really a mandate since nobody
really needs to buy healthcare—they just pay a penalty if
they don’t. The so called “penalty” can be considered a “tax”
since it is collected in the IRS code. Finally, it can be
deemed constitutional through the “necessary and proper”
clause of the constitution. Preventing insurance companies
from denying coverage to people with preexisting conditions
is constitutional, but both sides agree that it will not work
without the individual mandate. So, the mandate is
“necessary and proper” to carry out this act of Congress.
The implications of this law being overturned would
be profound. Millions of Americans who would have health
insurance may lose it. This is a really important issue
especially for youth. The law guarantees that anyone can
stay on their parent’s health insurance plan until they are 26.
If this is overturned, we would have to start back at square
one, back to the partisan fights, to attempt to fix the broken
healthcare system.
But what do I think? I think the ACA is
constitutional. The Founding Fathers stretched the
Constitution quite a bit to fit their needs, just as we have
done throughout our history (i.e. New Deal). With the
economy in shambles, I think the federal government should
have more power to act.
I wouldn’t be surprised if the court upheld the
ACA—both Justice Roberts and Justice Kennedy seemed to
shift in favor of the mandate toward the end of oral
arguments (though both were skeptical at the beginning). It
will be interesting to see play out.
The one thing I’m worried about is silly partisanship
over this one issue. President Obama recently said it would
be “unprecedented” for the Supreme Court to nullify a valid
act of Congress. First, Marbury v. Madison set the precedent
of judicial review. Secondly, Obama used to be a
constitutional law professor. If the Supreme Court overturns
the ACA, I think he will run against the Court—just more
partisan charges of “judicial activism”. Later, a conservative
judge asked the justice department to write a letter
explaining their understanding of judicial review. When
judges respond to politicians, there seems to be a partisan
problem even within the (supposedly impartial) judiciary.
Similarly, if the Court upholds the ACA, I’m sure the
Republicans will criticize the Court as liberal, activist, and
their usual rhetoric—it’s negative and unhelpful. The
American people really want Washington to do something,
not just blame others.
I think the Court should delay its decision until next
term to protect itself. Both sides will criticize unfavorable
decisions, and a 5-4 majority will only make the Court look
partisan—that’s a bad reputation for the Court, and we don’t
want to repeat Bush v. Gore. It should stay out of this
political debate for now.
A Short History of North Korea’s Nuclear Policy By Jack Noland
Shrouded in a curtain of state control, North Korea is
one of the most restrictive nations on the planet. In many
ways, North Korea is still an enigma to the average America.
Heavily guarded from outside eyes, and governed by an
autocratic political structure, North Korea is difficult to
understand. Couple this with the fact that North Korea is
one of the final bastions of Communism, and the unfortunate
sentiment that Cold War memories engender, and United
States foreign policy with North Korea is strained, to say the
least.
The already challenging issue is made more
troublesome when nuclear weapons are added to the
equation. During the Cold War, one of the United States’
primary prerogatives was to prevent nuclear proliferation in
Communist nations. Though the war is over, America still
seeks to reduce the global influence of nuclear weapons.
Because North Korea decided to vacate the worldwide
Nuclear Nonproliferation Treaty in 1993 and pursue an
atomic weapons development program, it is worthwhile to
analyze North Korea’s nuclear policy.
After leaving the treaty, North Korea decided to
close its nuclear program to international eyes by refusing to
accept weapons inspectors. In 1998, following five years of
buildup and plutonium manufacturing, North Korea
launched a missile into the atmosphere, under the guise of it
being a satellite. However, it is highly speculated that this
was the nation’s first attempt at an intercontinental ballistic
missile, or ICBM, often used for carrying nuclear warheads.
THE JUNIOR STATEMENT The Official Newsletter of the Junior State of America (JSA)
JSA Be the People
Then, in 2003, North Korea began to shoot missiles into the
Sea of Japan, angering many Japanese officials who believed
themselves to be at risk. By 2006, North Korea had removed
much of the disingenuous façade of their program by
formally announcing that American military intervention in
Korea would be met with nuclear bombing. To prove its
capability, on October 9th of the same year, North Korea
tested its first nuclear weapon.
After three years of nuclear development the nation
tested its first warhead underground on May 25th, 2009. In
its most aggressive and militant announcement to date, North
Korea vowed to strike against South Korea if the North’s
cargo ships were delayed or searched by anyone. Over the
course of 2009, the government ordered the testing of
nineteen separate missiles of varying ranges. In December
2011, the Supreme Leader of North Korea, Kim Jong-il,
died, leaving the reins to his son, Kim Jong-un.
In a radical departure from the militancy of his
father’s rule, Kim Jong-un agreed to halt North Korea’s
nuclear program in exchange for American food aid in
February of this year. After just under one month, the nation
reinstated the program, with Kim Jong-un preparing a long-
range missile for launch in the summer. The United States is
in the midst of negotiations, and has recently condemned
further nuclear development. At this apparent setback,
North Korea has drawn its curtain of secrecy tighter, and the
true nature of its nuclear program may never fully be known.
International Hosts the PNW's Second Minicon
By: Iman Baghai
On March 17, 2012 International High School
hosted the PNW's second Minicon. International's
conference attracted students from various chapters to
engage in debates revolving around the election. The event's
theme was
"Decision
2012".
The
debates
primarily
revolved
around the
republican
nominees
that ranged
from
“Resolved,
that Romney will win the nomination on the account of his
physical appearance” to “Resolved, that Paul will be
nominated because of his unrivaled foreign policy
experience.”
The debates provided the delegates with good
humor, discussion, and debate. International also hosted a
candidates forum for JSAers who are running for the elected
offices of Greater Puget Sound Region Vice Mayor, Greater
Puget Sound Region Mayor, PNW Lt. Governor, and PNW
Governor. Some of the questions asked regarded what
experience they have to be qualified for their position and
others included how they would describe themselves in one
word.
The keynote debate at the end of the day regarded
who would win on Election Day, November 6: President
Barack Obama, or the best Republican nominee, determined
by the debates from the day, Mitt Romney. After an intense
debate, the delegates overwhelmingly believed President
Barack Obama should keep his job by a vote of 23-2.
After a successful day of debate it is clear that
majority of these JSAers leaned towards Barack Obama and
are excited and engaged for the upcoming election.
The JSAers that were awarded best speaker awards
during their debates are as follows: Iman Baghai (2),
Issaquah High School; Vikram Kumor, Issaquah High
School; Will Badart, International High School; and
Brandon Lecoq, International High School.
Upon reflection, International student, Will Badart,
who did majority of the planning for the minicon believed
that "the mincon was excellent. The turnout was great,
people were really involved in their debates, and the
candidate's forum was really productive."
As the second mini-convention in the PNW wraps
up, the future awaits how many more there will be.
Texas Spring State
By Christy Luspo
Members of the Texas Junior State came together in
Houston, Texas to attend Spring State 2012: “The American
Identity: From the Founder to the Future.” The three day
convention was held from Friday, March 23 to Sunday,
March 25. During this time, the members of the Texas Junior
State expanded their knowledge of American politics and
were given the opportunity to share their opinions as
involved speakers. Held at the J.W. Marriott Hotel across
from the Houston Galleria, Spring State 2012 proved to be a
weekend full of engaging debates, thought talks, and
entertainment. Jackie Parker from St. Agnes Academy
shares, “Spring State this year was fantastic. I had the
THE JUNIOR STATEMENT The Official Newsletter of the Junior State of America (JSA)
JSA Be the People
opportunity to share my own political opinions in debates
and it was exciting to be a part of the election process. I
can’t wait for next year!” Students were able to familiarize themselves with
the political process and fostered discourse on important
issues and current events during the convention. Engaging as
community leaders, members of the Texas Junior State were
invited to participate in debates, thought talks, a Quizbowl,
and evening activities during the three day convention where
they made new friends and reconnected with old ones.
Evening activities included a neon themed dance, a ‘Night in
New Orleans’ themed dance, poker, and board games. Texas
JSAers owned the political process and got their voices
heard. From debates ranging from a three-headed schizo to a
thought-talk about victimless crimes, the weekend was full
of creative and inventive debaters.
Spring State is always one of the most important
conventions of the year because of the elections that take
place for leadership positions, both on the regional and
statewide level. Students had the opportunity to run,
campaign, and elect their officers for the next year. It was
both exciting and stressful for the candidates to be a part of
the election process, and the anxiety culminated among those
running for office until the very last hours of the convention.
On Saturday night, the Regional officers were elected for the
GCR, ACR, and PMR, while on Sunday morning, the
officers for the State positions were elected. The election
results for state office are as follows:
Governor: Griffin Rubin
Lieutenant Governor: Toni Nickel
Speaker of the House: Austin Bryan
The Texas Junior State is looking forward to a great
year with our newly elected officials. Spring State 2012 was
a bittersweet convention with the rising of newly elected
leaders and the departure of a talented generation of Junior
Statesmen. As the year comes to a close, it is important to
remember that the Texas Junior State is comprised of
politically active teenagers that will make a difference in
today’s society.
The True Nature of the Iranian-Israeli Conflict
By Jack Noland
Israel and Iran are ideologically a world apart, but
geographically are only about 1,000 miles separated. Both
lie within the volatile amalgamation of cultures and history
that is the Middle East. Both Israel and Iran are guided by
the strong tribalism fomented by Judaism and Islam,
respectively. Both also vie for dominance, recognition, and
respect in an ever-changing region and world, creating
unbelievable and explosive tension.
As Americans, we have the “honor” of being the
world’s policemen, as we have shown time-and-time again
in a multitude of nations. On the other side, many nations
have come to rely on us for support. This gives us a certain
amount of self-confidence in our intermediary capabilities,
and an often-elevated and presumptuous perception of what
is right for the rest of the world. This behavior is misguided,
as the Israel-Iranian conflict is a multi-faceted, and by no
means easy to solve, situation.
In light of Iran’s recent refusal to discontinue its
nuclear-enrichment program, suggested by the United States
and a variety of other world leaders, Israel has announced
that it is willing to go to war against Iran to prevent Iran’s
manufacturing of nuclear weapons. Previously, Iranian
President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad has stated that the
Holocaust did not happen, and the government has stated
that Israel should not exist. Israel has taken a staunchly anti-
Iranian view as well. It is easy for Americans to sit on the
sidelines and side with one side or the other. We can
prescribe any number of remedies, ranging from economic
sanctions to direct military intervention. Yet, the conflict is
not simply black and white.
As journalist Thomas L. Friedman writes in his
From Beirut to Jerusalem, the millennia-old conflict in the
Middle East is based on three major principles. First, the
political system of these countries is based on tribalism.
Judaism and Islam are by no means fully unified religions;
there are several different sects and cultural groups within
each one. Similarly, the conflict between Judaism and Islam
is a battle that has been waged for centuries, most
conspicuously exhibited in the Israeli-Palestinian hostilities.
THE JUNIOR STATEMENT The Official Newsletter of the Junior State of America (JSA)
JSA Be the People
This current debate is merely a manifestation of this eternal
war of ideas.
Second, the Middle East is fraught with totalitarian
and autocratic regimes. Indeed, this is because only the
strong rulers survive. While clearly visible in theocratic
Iran, this idea governs much of Israeli politics as well.
Despite being a democracy, the Prime Minister of Israel
must be forceful, assertive, and unafraid to vilify the
surrounding Muslims.
Third, and finally, the boundaries of the Middle East
were and are foreign creations, crafted in disregard for the
cultural layout of the region. In the 1920s, the Middle East
was carved up between European superpowers, forcing
many people who fundamentally disagreed on a variety of
matters into a small space. This added fuel to the ideological
fire, and is responsible for the much of the pressure that
heavily permeates the Middle East.
It is easy for us to call for change and even suggest
certain alterations, but it is also shortsighted. The Middle
East is a region that has remained in conflict for centuries,
and will most likely still do so in the future. Unfortunately,
there is no silver bullet to solve the Iranian and Israeli
problem, but simple understanding of the fundamental
differences between the two goes a long way toward helping
to assuage the issue. This is by no means a call for inaction,
but simply careful consideration of the facts. America
cannot afford wrongful intervention.
Syria—What Should We Do?
By: Karthik Palaniappan
A host of protests and demonstrations began around
the Arab World in Arab Spring on January 26, 2011, and
continue over a year later. They developed to protest the
authoritarian, corrupt government and high unemployment.
It has called for the resignation of dictator Bashar al-Assad;
democratic reforms; expanded civil rights, including the
recognition of Kurdish rights (a sect of Islam); and the lifting
of “emergency law” created during the war with Israel fifty
years ago. This meant that freedoms of speech, press, and
assembly were very restricted, and that opposition to the
government could be repressed. The Assad regime has
finally lifted emergency law, granted citizenship to some
Kurds, released some political prisoners, and cut taxes,
amongst other reforms.
However, the most important tenet—that Assad step
down—has not happened. Instead, the power hungry dictator
has been using force against the protestors. What started as
peaceful protests has now turned into a fight between the
Free Syrian Army (rebels) and the Syrian Army. The rebels
are dominated by the Sunni Muslims (majority religious
group in the country), while the government is mostly
Alawites (minority). As of mid March, according to the UN,
about 10,000 people have been killed, including up to 400
children. Unlike in Egypt and Libya, the rebels are not
necessarily winning. President Assad’s forces are gaining
back momentum.
The international community has been very vocal
against the regime. The US, Saudi Arabia, Turkey, NATO,
and the Arab League have come out on the side of the
protestors. Only countries like Iran and Iraq have come out
on the side of Assad. Unlike in Libya, most nations are not
willing to pledge military resources to aid the rebels.
Major sources of opposition to military aid from the
international community are China and Russia. They both
have a veto in the UN Security Council and have been
opposed to officially condemning the regime or applying
sanctions. They argue that this could escalate into foreign
intervention.
However, back at home, many are calling for US
involvement in the conflict. Senator John McCain of Arizona
is one of the most vocal, writing:
President Obama has stated that preventing mass
atrocities is a vital part of our national security policy.
He has said that the killing in Syria must stop and that
Assad must go. If that is the case, we must take action
to make those words a reality. How many more must
die before we act?
He notes that this does not need to be
unilateral. We can work with the Arab League, the
European Union, and NATO.
THE JUNIOR STATEMENT The Official Newsletter of the Junior State of America (JSA)
JSA Be the People
He further argues that this is in our national
security interest as well as Israel’s. Syria is Iran’s
main ally. It has developed weapons of mass
destruction, sponsored terrorism, and killed US
troops in Iraq.
However, many are opposed to “another
Iraq.” Last time we went to war with a Middle
Eastern country with a strong dictator, we stayed for
10 years—far longer than we expected. Syria also
has a stronger military than Libya with Russian-built
air defenses that are five times as strong as theirs. If
we attack, Assad could also launch an anti-US
campaign on state TV, showing pictures of bombs
falling and dead Syrians. That may have unintended
consequences.
Also, the international community is less
than willing to intervene again. The Arab League is
not as willing to militarily intervene as with Libya.
NATO and the UN will not necessarily support a
military effort, either.
Finally, the Syrian opposition (like Iraq) is
very fractured along religious/ethnic lines. A civil
war may erupt, making the problem far worse. Iraq’s
civil war has not been as big because of US
peacekeeping troops.
My take is: let’s be careful. We cannot be
the police force of the world forever. There are and
there will be other powerful anti-democratic forces
in the world. I think in the 21st century, the US
should realize it needs to better take care of its fiscal
house first. If the international community is willing
to have a concerted effort then US should
participate. If not, then we should intervene alone.
Maybe aid and supplies to democratic forces would
be acceptable, but getting involved in unnecessary
wars is just silly. I highly respect Senator McCain,
but I think his foreign policy is overly idealistic and
outdated.
Foolish Advice
by Haylee Millikan
People have always told me, “Haylee, young love is
foolish.” “Young people are foolish.” “Don’t you think
you’re being stupid?” “You need to study harder, do better,
so your future is better,” and then, in a nostalgic breath, after
the lecture, they quietly mutter, “I wish I would’ve used my
youth completely differently.” And I’ve been given plenty of
advice, but I think it’s time the youth starts giving some
advice of our own, because doesn’t everyone always say that
they wasted their youth? So, instead of listening to the
elders, we should start listening to ourselves, the quiet
whispers of truth that come from being a child.
Only listen to adults when they’re recounting things
they should have done. When your mother tells you that she
wishes she wouldn’t have fought with her best friend over
that boy, don’t fight with your best friend over that boy.
When your teddy bear father tells you that he was once that
nerd no one would be friends with, be friends with those
nerds. Who knows; maybe someday, they’ll be the men you
want to marry. When he also tells you that in high school he
wishes he had gone to all those dances, don’t miss out on
them. Don’t waste your time sitting at home on Facebook,
get out and have teenage fun. When your neighbor, the one
who sat with you when you were five while your baby
brother was born, tells you that he wishes he hadn’t wasted
time worrying about college, follow his example, but not
completely. Work hard, but don’t stress over whether or not
you’ll get in. Whatever happens will happen, and from the
THE JUNIOR STATEMENT The Official Newsletter of the Junior State of America (JSA)
JSA Be the People
sounds of it, most people can’t remember their SAT scores,
let alone the colleges they didn’t get into.
Be reckless. Not with people’s hearts, or with your
life; but be reckless with your dignity. Be reckless with your
emotions and (sometimes) your body. Have the epic
skateboarding accident your parents had when they were
young. Embarrass yourself completely. Take the dare instead
of the truth. Stick your tongue to that frozen pole. Don’t
regret any of the times you snuck out and didn’t do anything
but lie in that dark field and watch the freckled sky. Always
cry when you’re sad, whether it’s in front of your mom or
sitting in the bathtub after your boyfriend of two months
breaks up with you. Fall deeply in love. Hurt doesn’t last as
long as we think it does, and life is about learning who
you’re capable of loving. Tell your parents you love them—
whether or not that’s normal in your family. Don’t be
grumpy when your mother wants to spend time with you.
And if you’re on a trip and see something your dad might
like, buy it. You never know what will become the most
important item they own. Don’t fight with your siblings.
You’re allowed to get into a few knock-out fights, but let
them be laughable memories instead of memories you’ll
never talk about again because you’ve lost touch.
Read a lot. Don’t be one of those idiotic teenagers
who says “like” and follows all the latest trends - unless
that’s who you really are. Youth isn’t about conforming; it’s
about figuring out how to be the best you can be. So don’t be
embarrassed when you buy those pants that aren’t the
‘normal style.’ Create your own happiness. Learn how to
rely on yourself for joy. Look at the sky often, and ponder
the greater good and what might happen after we die. Don’t
follow blindly in your parent’s religion, but read up on all
the different kinds. Figure out what you believe in, and then
trust yourself. You are allowed to change your mind. Don’t
feel like you don’t know anything because you are young—it
is often that the young are wiser than the old. The old lose
sight of how they felt when they were young, but the young
get glimpses of the old souls they have inside of themselves.
Relish in your good looks. Don’t be cocky, you
probably aren’t the most attractive thing in the world, but at
this point, we are growing up instead of growing old. There
are times when we will find stretch marks, or we will have
frizzy hair, or our palms will sweat and we will wonder if
life is always this awkward, but it passes. That monstrous zit
you have on your forehead will go away, your broken heart
will mend, your parents will forget about the C you got in
World History, and you’ll start growing old instead of
growing up. Cherish the moments where you learn
something you didn’t know before. Do this every day,
multiple times, if you can. Read the paper. Care. Say “no”
when you want to. Don’t lie about your heart, don’t lie about
your faith, and don’t lie about who you are. Other than that,
lie. Lie about your age and how many people you’ve kissed
and whether or not you would vote for a Republican. When
you turn eighteen, vote for whoever you want to. Protest the
government. Don’t be hard on yourself when you lose
something; if it really matters, it’ll find its way back to you.
Now that I mention it, don’t be hard on yourself in general.
The problems we have today are not going to matter in
twenty years. So move on.
Don’t shut up about your cup size. Talk about
politics and sex and all the things you probably shouldn’t,
but be objective. Let other people change your mind about
things. Read newspaper articles from all different
affiliations. Try vegetarianism. Kiss who you want to kiss.
Don’t worry about the first one, or the last one, or the one
where you bump noses. Kisses are kisses: memorable, sweet,
and one of the most important things in life. Read Audrey
Hepburn quotes; I’ve found she’s right about most things.
Read Carl Marx and research the Holocaust and the Civil
Rights Movement and the Rwandan Genocide. Be aware of
all of the things going on in the world.
Spend your parents’ money. Beg them to let you go
to New York. While you’re there, try a Coney Island hot dog
and talk to homeless men. Don’t be scared of the people on
the streets; they have lives just as you do. Be scared of the
dark. If you’re a boy, watch scary movies with girls. They’ll
only agree to watch it if they want to hold your hand. Trust
THE JUNIOR STATEMENT The Official Newsletter of the Junior State of America (JSA)
JSA Be the People
me on that one. Cry at chick flicks. Be sensitive. Yell at that
dumb bully that is picking on the mentally handicapped kids.
Pretend you’re scary, march right up to the girl you hate, and
then tell her you like her hair. Be nice to those who you
don’t like. You learn late in life that being fake is part of
being an adult; sometimes, you just have to deal with the
people you don’t like.
Most importantly, don’t listen to me at all. Figure
out for yourself how you want to live your life. Write essays
on advice you would give if people were actually listening.
Read (and write) dumb adolescent poetry in your journal. Be
nostalgic about when you were six years old. Tell people you
love them, whether you do or not. Be who you are, and
struggle to be who you want to be. Think about your future a
lot. Plan your first apartment and name your children and
read your horoscope. Be silly and childish and live in the
moment. Moments, most of the time, are all we have.
Moments are the build-up to great advice; moments lead to
experience, and experience leads us to opinions. Opinions
are the basis of advice, which should be given often, with a
heavy heart and a kind voice.