dzhuang's blog

[CROSS-POSTED FROM MICHIGAN YOUTH POLITICAL ALLIANCE]

Obama's message of hope and change has reached out to millions of young voters, and I do not understand how some people can not understand why. Republicans think it might have to do with the age of the candidate, so they bring in Palin. Now, she may be "young," but she certainly does not bring nearly the same understanding to issues that concern youth voters the most as Obama does.

With a young population experiencing piled-up college debt and the pressure of finding new jobs, they refuse to believe that a continuation of the current administration could be the solution, especially since John McCain barely shares the compassion Obama does for education and job growth. Our youth have also become disillusioned by the failed policies of the Iraq War and have felt the stress of escalating costs of health care within their families. Who deals with these issues with an eye out for how we feel? I don't see McCain caring much about what we think. The latest Gallup polls from September 7 reveal our thoughts exactly--60% favor Obama while only 32% favor McCain.

But putting all political affiliation aside, will youth participation shock us this election season?

Just today in Lansing, Obama spoke on the issue that concerns Michigan voters the most—the economy. With the decline of the auto industry, Michigan is a state enduring economic turmoil. In response, Obama laid out a plan to retool auto workers to enter positions in the alternative energy industry and to push for alternative energy development.

Obama’s plan is attractive to plenty of the state’s voters, whom are tired of the gloom and despair that haunt their personal finances and the state’s economy. They see energy as the best way out of the mess. In the polls, half of Michigan voters said energy issues matter more to them than the war in Iraq. 86% would like to see the government supporting renewable energy development, especially for solar and wind energy.

Our auto sector is already shifting their focus to developing biofuel, electric and hydrogen technologies from the pressure of high gas prices, new national fuel-economy standards and emission concerns. That means our engineers and workers are highly suited for alternative energy jobs. Our state is home to the nation’s first wood-to-ethanol plant and research and development on plug-in electric cars, lithium-ion batteries for electric and hybrid engines, propulsion inverters, lightweight materials and direct-injection diesel technology just to name a few.

So what other prospects does alternative energy hold for Michigan? And what other ways can we alleviate Michigan’s economic problems? These questions are explained and more at Michigan Youth Political Alliance.