Sometimes I forget...

At one point in my college career I was a Political Science major. I still find everything about Poli Sci interesting. Im glad I know how to read gallop polls, I am glad I understand different perspectives of the world and that I am a feminist realists. (I could have graduated a year ago with my poli sci degree) As I sit back and even type this blog about my education...I forget how lucky I am to be obtaining an education. Not only am I lucky that my parents can afford to pay for my schooling and that my "life chance" allowed for me to go to college but I am "more" lucky that I am not him....

It is estimated that 300,000 child soldiers fight all over the world. This particular child picture was found with a simple google search of "Rwanda Child Soliders". Do you really believe that this child will live to be 18? (the voting age in Rwanda) I am 20 and have never touched one of these guns. (I do not plan to..infact when the NRA calls my house I hang up)

Rwanda is not the only country with such high numbers. The only reason I used Rwanda is because of the Congo and the Rwanda Genocide. Other countries that have children soldiers: Angola, Burundi, Congo-Brazzaville, The Democratic Republic of Congo, Ivory Coast, Liberia, Sierra Leone, Sudan, Uganda, Ethiopia, Somalia, Comoros, Guinea-Bissau, Senegal.

I am sad for these children because they will never have the opportunity to be children. Children are easily influenceable, after all I am a democrat because my parents are democrats. Some of my views have changed since leaving the house and being able to think on my own, however, my overall view is still influenced by my parents. Which is exactly what is happening with all of these children.

It is so sad that these children will never go to soccer practice, a basketball game, or play a board game with their friends...and more than likely their parents will never say, "ohh He didn't mean to, He's just a child" So while I don't agree with the United States getting involved in EVERYONE'S world affairs...I do understand how it is hard for us to stand by and watch this...

So before I complain about MY life today..and having to go to school (and by school I mean a University) and that my mother is making me drive 50 minutes so I can get the swine flu vaccine. I should be glad that I have the opportunity to go to school and that the swine flu vaccine is even available to me.

Sometimes I just forget how lucky I am.....

(me in Mexico Vacationing)