In today’s divisive and often hostile political world, it seems as though everyone has something to say about our government and how it’s being run. The smallest political disagreements can erupt into the most explosive arguments. Even here at LBHS, I can feel the political tension simmering just below the surface of our casual conversations. Whether it is immigration, free speech, or our president himself, anyone within earshot of the topic feels the need to put in his or her two-cents.

Debate is healthy. I don’t have a problem with debate. My issue with political interactions among kids is that they’re not informed enough to even have a meaningful debate. When challenged about their statements or positions,often kids come up empty about why they hold a certain opinion or back a certain politician.

Trump or Hillary. Good or Evil. Impeach him or lock her up. Nothing in between and no information to support our arguments. At our school, kids’ opinions fall all over the political spectrum, leaving plenty of room for disagreement. With little or no knowledge of politics or current issues, these disagreements often turn into personal attacks that do nothing but create animosity among students.

I challenge the student body of LBHS to do a little bit of research before part taking in an argument or attacking someone’s beliefs—regardless of what you think to be true now. I am willing to bet that many of you will come to find that there is validity and reason behind the arguments of both political parties. Researching does not need to be a difficult task, either. It can be as easy as reading or watching a few news stories a day from a variety of reliable sources. No matter what your beliefs are, I hope that we all can become more respectful and tolerant of new and different ideas.

I don’t think it’s a Democrat or Republican thing; I think it’s a parent thing.  It seems that kids aren’t getting fired up about an issue because they care deeply about it, but rather they are simply echoing what Dad said at the dinner table last night, or regurgitating what Mom said after the news that morning.

I don’t care what your political leanings are, as long as they are legitimately yours. Learn the issues. Dig into the facts. Form your own opinions. Maybe you’ll decide that you actually feel completely the opposite of your parents. Maybe you’ll realize you’re more like mom and dad than you care to admit. Either way, make your stand—YOUR stand.