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"Lack of interest leads to lack of information" (4).

The reading discusses various times that the availability of technology and websites enables youth to choose to avoid political happenings and otherwise entertain themselves. However, I believe it is unfair to blame people's apathy entirely on technological advances. When I first read this quote, I was baffled because I believe it to be the other way around in my life. I find politics interesting to some extent - that is, if I understand it. Therefore I think that a lack of information and exposure to politics contributes to my personal apathy, which in turn demotivates me to seek out information, instilling a loop of inactivity.

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"Thomas Jefferson once said that there has never been, nor ever will be, a people who are politically ignorant and free" (4).

In order to fully enjoy and utilize our liberty, we must educate ourselves and be active in the government so that we can enact changes we want to see and secure our rights. Knowledge is power, as we've all heard. If we allow ourselves to loll around and let others do the work and make the decisions, we may find ourselves disagreeing with the instituted changes and questioning our liberty and happiness. Thus, the American dream is crushed if we do not participate in our political system.

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"... over half of Americans under the age of 30 said they rarely follow politics, compared to less than a quarter of those over the age of 65" (4).

This obviously shows the age gap in the levels of political attention of Americans. But why is this? Perhaps technology can be given some credit what with its countless means of distraction, but there must be other sources. Is it youth's feelings of rebellion or dissension toward authority? Hopefully people will realize that they can only make themselves truly free and independent by participating in the system and having a say in how their lives will be affected.

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Edward III, George C., Martin P. Wattenburg, and Robert L. Lineberry. Government in America. 15th ed. Pearson, 2011. Print.

http://www.biography.com/people/thomas-jefferson-9353715

http://www.ahumanproject.com/cure/

http://www.atlanta.k12.ga.us/Domain/592