Need a new boss

I am very interested in this year’s election.

The administration, while falling short in my eyes, seems to remain unscathed in the opinion of the majority. Mr. Bush continues to divide all aspects of life in terms of right and wrong, or “Republican and Democrat,” respectively.

This administration has dirtied itself with constitutional amendments, restrictions and sanctions that all but write religion into law, without taking into consideration the individuals who subscribe to the values of a different faith.

If a Muslim were in office and decided to write Islamic practices into law, people would be screaming. But no one seems to care that a conservative Christian is raising the penalty for homicide of a pregnant woman, restricting research on embryonic stem cells, restricting the definition of marriage in the constitution to heterosexual couples only and — my favorite — allowing our personal lives to be invaded to protect our nation’s security with the oxymoronic Patriot Act.

I find myself in a unique position to defend more liberal religious values. Most young people are called dirty words like “idealists” or “inexperienced” or — the biggest dirty word of all — “liberal.” I find that most people who engage in such name-calling feel that their time on this earth has earned them the right to their opinions and that the opinions of young people are, as of yet, an unearned right.

I am college educated, I am in the military and I am politically active enough that I am bothering to express my opinion, in addition to being one of the few young people who vote.

While the administration spends millions of dollars in campaign advertising, very little of it acknowledges the votes of young people. We are neither a threat nor an asset. When we see the light and change our opinions, we will have earned the right to stand and be counted.

Until then, we are collectively grouped with the liberal extremists on the college bandwagon, preaching anti-government rhetoric, no matter who is in office.

I, however, will continue to serve my country as a young liberal the best way I know how: sending absentee ballots to my home state and serving the U.S. Army in Iraq.

Pfc. Bobbie Blue Selvidio

Fort Gordon, Ga.