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Let Freedom Ring:
The Middle is Always Evil

Ayn Rand, an American author and philosopher, once said that, "there are two sides to every issue: one side is right and the other is wrong, but the middle is always evil." This could not be further from the truth in today's world, where people constantly feel pressured to choose between two sides in the political arena. The truth, though, is that sometimes its hard to pick a certain side when it seems as if both sides are corrupt.

Ever since the days of the Founding Fathers, America has been a bicameral legislature (meaning people generally fit into one of two categories in politics). For several decades now, the United States has identified their two main political parties as Republican and Democrat. If you are not one or the other, it is almost as if you have no influence on politics. Parties such as Independents and Libertarians are rarely influential in the political arena so most people choose between Republican or Democrat.

It is my belief that many of you who are reading this now are coming close to declaring your political affiliation for the first time or preparing to vote in the upcoming presidential election - which is a huge deal! I am writing this to help provide you with some guidance on what to do. Between registering, campaigning, and voting, its quite easy to become confused about how all of this works. We feel that it would be much simpler to just pick a side that would cause little controversy with the parents or high school teachers. The truth, though, is that it is okay to not immediately pick a side because your family is one or the other. It's perfectly fine to "test the waters" as far as what each party believes in. Now you may ask: how should I figure out what I believe? How can I find out about each party?

Don't be afraid to step outside the box and attend a meeting with young Republicans in your area, even if the entire environment you live in leans liberal and Democrat. Don't be afraid to join a Church committee that works towards pro-life efforts if you know someone who had an abortion and you have grown up learning that it is a normal part of life. You just may find out that Republicans and pro-life people are not as polarizing and easy to hate as you originally thought. The same goes for the other side. Give each side a chance and listen openly to each and every argument because once you decide that you know what you believe in, it will be a lot easier to defend your own beliefs. You will be able to give an educated argument when you are attacked by someone of opposite beliefs.

Ayn Rand was perfectly correct when she said, "the middle is always evil." To stand in between an argument and never pick a side, to be indifferent and uneducated, is evil. It is a disservice to not only yourself, but to others who need your help. There are so many people in the world who so desperately want to make a difference, but need help. The Junior Factor Nation needs help. The Junior Factor Nation needs people who can stand up for what is right, for what is just and make a difference. Don't let yourself get stuck in the middle, stuck in evil, because you do not feel you should become educated in politics since it is so complex. Start small, by attending a meeting or visiting a booth and keep an open-mind because you just may find yourself making a difference soon after.