Current mood:

aggravated

No one has everyone's best interests in mind
I don't know what to think about government and politics. I am so uninformed and I do not know how to become "in the know" with all of the complex issues. All I know is I don't think the government is doing a very good job.

In Indiana, Governor Mitch Daniels is focused on making a quick buck for the state so his term in office looks positive and does not care who he rolls over to accomplish this task. What's wrong with making money for the state you may ask. "My Man Mitch's" plan includes getting a private company to pay a bunch of money to put together a massive toll road linking six of the more rural Indiana counties surrounding Indianapolis together.

Wow, what a great idea! ..If we didn't already have ample interstate access and roads in perfectly acceptable condition. The plan would potentially divide my home county, leaving locals no choice but to pay a toll to get to areas that used to be easily accessible.

The toll is only the beginning of our problems. The proposed route plows directly through beautiful farmland, included the farm where my mother grew up and my grandmother still lives. Imminent domain laws state that those who lose land or lose property value because of the project would be compensated 125%, but the law has a clause that leaves the Indiana Department of Transporation Exempt! So many people who have lived in Hancock County for years could get screwed.

Basically, I am frustrated because I am powerless to fight the system. I feel like this all the time. I see systems in place in my school and local government and think I could do a better job. The problem is that I am 17. What good is a 17 year old? It is pretty discouraging and would be easy to just slide into mediocrity like my peers.

..If that was me. I want to be better than average and I want to do something special. I just don't know what yet. I have accomplished what some would call a great deal during my teenage years, but I have trouble acknowledging and taking pride in my accomplishments; I am my biggest critic. No matter what I do, it's not enough for me.

With this attitude, imagine how hard it is for me to maintain an inner confidence in music, where I often find myself feeling like I should just throw in the towel because after all there are so many people with musical talent and I am just a number!

So, what can I do? What can any of us do? John Mayer may be "Waiting on the World to Change", but I have my own view. This is an excerpt from one of my newer songs many of you have not heard.

"And maybe I'm crazy/But I need something else/And if the world won't change/I'll do it myself"

Wish me luck!