My opinion...

[Satori P. <swtlady804@hotmail.com>]

   Hi!  I am a senior high school student and a Cambodian-American girl. I am extremely honored to be a part of this program.  In today's society, it has come to my attention that majority of the Cambodian-Americans in my community and nationwide are not becoming active participants in our government, whether because they feel that it is hopeless trying to get their voices heard or because they simply do not care. 

   As I read through all of the responses that have been posted I can't help but see a parallel between campaigning for positions in government and campaigning in high school.  In high school, everyone realizes that it is not a race over who is more qualified or who can do more for the student body, but instead, who is more "popular" and can better advertise to the masses.  Campaigning for government roles is the same, except for the fact that money plays a major role.  Whoever has the most money has the ability to advertise their name more, and whoever advertises their name more in turn wins the most votes from the masses.  It is just common sense.  We live in a society so consumed with the media and what it portrays.  To believe that media does not have any affect on its audience is sheer ignorance.  There needs to be campaign finance reform.  We can't continue to live in a democratic society that promotes wealth over ethics and morals.  In all honesty, we have come so far, there is no reason why we must result back to an aristocratic society where money is the determining factor for success.  If that is so, then what is the point of working so hard all your life in order to have someone who is less qualified but richer over power you?