"Let's act right, and show these kids...

We can turn 'Yes, we can' into 'Yes, we did'".
I was sitting, watching my local news during dinner time tonight, and I found something that perturbed me. The news did a poll of people who were interested in watching President Obama's State of the Union address tonight. The answer was an overwhelming "No.", to the tune of 80% of the voters. That's in a liberal city... Cleveland, where you would think Obama would garner more support.
It brings back an issue I've definitely had over the past year or so. Many, many people worked hard to get President Obama elected. Their efforts and passion for the cause were incredible and admirable. I fear though, that upon his election, too many people considered their mission accomplished and sunk back into their indifference for the American political system.
This is sad. The American people literally just proved the incredible things they can accomplish due to the privileges allotted to them (they elected a black president!), then turned around, and stopped. What's even more striking is that they stopped during an economic crisis clearly relevant to the masses, a war (or arguably, 2 wars), and while a health care bill came to light that would give any or better health care to 47 million Americans.
It makes me scratch my head, and even more so because of the public discord that has grown with the Obama administration over the past year. His approval rating has sunk, and the list of cynics continues to grow. More and more people don't expect him and the government around him to be able to turn this around. Well, let me say this, they won't, at least not without a considerable effort from the American people.
That poll today showed me that Americans often don't bother to stay informed on what's going on. Even if you don't agree with President Obama's politics, would it not be advisable to listen to him speak in order to see his agenda for the coming year? An agenda, that he will attempt to accomplish whether you like it or not... and an agenda directly relevant to your life because it can directly alter your life.
Democracy will only work if the people embrace it and actively participate. That's as true in America as it is in Iraq . Standing idly by and expecting our legislators and President to do the work alone isn't only foolish, but not the preferred course of action at all. So this is my challenge, to ANYBODY and EVERYBODY that may happen to actually read this post. Make an effort to at least stay informed. You've been given a great privilege because you live in this country. You can form your own opinions and personally help shape the actions that will dictate our future. At the very least, be informed, and provide your input in any way you are willing. That means voting, and any thing else that you may deem fit. Trust me, it will be worth it.