Post from Senator John Kerry, December 31, 2003

Are young Americans not voting because politicians do not pay attention to us, or are politicians not paying attention to young Americans because we do not vote? And what does paying attention mean anyway?

I am not sure exactly where this trend began but we absolutely must get young Americans reengaged in our politics. Every young person that I talk to in this country is disappointed by politics, by Washington, by the sense that nothing that happens is real, and it doesn't affect your lives. I want your help in this election because you deserve a president who knows what a difference young people can make. I have lived the experience of being a young person who's trying to make a difference for our country. I lived it during the civil rights movement in the '60s; fighting in Vietnam, and when I came back, standing up against Richard Nixon and fighting to end the war. I am proud I made Richard Nixon's enemies list because it is a testament to the fact that when young people stand up and stand together they can make a difference.

I will address issues that really matter to young Americans. Nothing I hope to do as President will be more vital than reconnecting America's public life to the ideal of full and active citizenship. I have proposed a comprehensive national service plan, and as President I will call on young people both to help strengthen America's security and to address unmet needs. This will simultaneously engage young people, strengthen our society, enhance our economy and advance our American values

And I'll take on the special interest influence that breeds cynicism among young people. If I'm President, campaign contributors won't be invited in to rewrite our laws. Those who rig the books and raid pensions will be thrown out - and they'll go to jail. There'll be no more no-bid contracts for companies that avoid taxes by setting up tax shelters overseas. And we'll end the tax loopholes that reward companies for shipping jobs overseas.