Living In a-Limited- Free Society.

I believe in the principles of humanity, those which were set forth hundreds of years ago, and those which are the very basis of our nation. The ideas of enlightenment thinkers such as John Locke, and even Thomas Jefferson, are the basis of our historical documents and the foundation of the United States of America. This idea has lead our nation's leaders to great heights, as well as the creation of the first amendment: the freedom of speech, petition, religion, assembly, and press. How can all of our freedoms possibly coexist in this nation, with so many of us? There is a vast variety of individuals who live in America; how can they all possibly get along? If we live in a free society, what gives the government the right to regulate the law? We made this decision ourselves. For the most part, we are all free citizens of this country-we are not forced to be here. Living here, paying taxes, and participating in society, is a way of giving into the laws of this country and accepting the country's standards and rules.

But what makes somebody below the age of eighteen a "minor"? Just because one is a minor, does that mean that his or her rights are limited? Does that mean that if he or she were to run away from this country, that that act is illegal? In a sense, are we trapped here? Yes, and as long as we are here, we have to play by the rules. If one does not like how something is done, or does not like a law, that is fine-that is great! In order to change that law, the individual minor has to take action. Complaining to your principle or dean doesn't do anything, because we all know that you will just end up angry, annoyed, and losing that argument. Plus, you are not helping bring justice to those who will come after you. So, the moral is to not just complain and rebel without any intent of actual change. That may get your message across, but in a short amount of time it will mean nothing. It has to spark inspiration for either you or someone else in order to take effective action. Take action to change the law; change the rules. Behind every rule, there is a person. Find that person, and fix or change the rule by the right means. Whether that involves a lawsuit, petition, or any other sort of action, it can be done. Get others involved, make your voice louder, become a movement. Let's face it, in order to win this game, we have to play by the rules, and hopefully in the end, we will beat the game. It CAN be done, but only if you are willing to sacrifice a bit. The choice is yours: be a stubborn complainer, or be the change.