When I was 9 years old and younger, politics bored me. My reality was far too much about elementary school and Disney for me to have any interest in paying attention to elections -- a sentiment, I think, my peers probably shared.

I was 9 when George W. Bush was elected, and 10 when the terrorist attacks of 9/11 happened. I barely recall a president other than Bush, a country that wasn't under the threat of terrorist attacks, or a time when America wasn't in the midst of a war.

Unlike my parents and even my older brothers, I don't know what it is like to live in a country that most of the world respects and admires. I don't remember an America that isn't disliked by much of the world, not just for being powerful and wealthy, but for fighting in Iraq and Afghanistan as well.

I'm 17 now, and my reality is this: In 2002, French journalist and political activist Thierry Meyssan wrote a book that declared 9/11 a hoax ("9/11: The Big Lie"). He said that it was an operation arranged by a group of right wingers in the U.S. government and military. The book became a best-seller in France. In the same year, my family wanted to go to New York City over the New Year's holiday, but decided to cancel due to the terrorist threats made against New York City at that time.

In the fall of 2003, my older brother studied abroad in England and once described himself as a Canadian to avoid an unpleasant confrontation with a Norwegian. Every time we drive north on Interstate 95, we see a sign urging passersby to report suspicious activity. There is never a day without distressing news reports about the wars in Afghanistan and Iraq.

I've seen anti-American comments all over the Internet, surprisingly, even posted on Web sites such as YouTube in their comments sections.

I'm tired of hearing about how the U.S. used to be so great.

I didn't pay attention to the election in 2000 and I paid only a little in 2004. This year, however, I've followed the election from the initial announcements of candidacies through the primaries, and I'll continue to judgment day on Nov. 4. The reason? Now that the country's eight years under President Bush is ending, I'm looking for a change.

With college exactly a year away, I'm just as worried as the next person about affording it. But I know I'll be able to with loans and hopefully scholarships but mostly with major help from my parents, and I think every young person should be as lucky as I am in that respect.

I like the fact that Barack Obama promises to make college more affordable with a program called the American Opportunity Tax Credit, outlined on his Web site, barackobama.com. It guarantees that the first $4,000 of a college education is completely free for most Americans, covers two-thirds of the cost of tuition at the standard public college or university and completely eliminates the cost of community college for most students.

As for health care, I can relate as well. My older brother is self-employed and has expended much effort in trying to acquire affordable health insurance. He has been successful largely because our parents insisted it was essential -- but the coverage is not as good as it should be and the process was more difficult than it should have been.

My other brother just graduated from college and was immediately booted from our parents' health plan. So we begin the cycle again. Under Obama's plan, also on his Web site, millions of people like my brothers and those in worse situations would be helped by more affordable and accessible health care.

And then there is the critical task of protecting our planet: From hybrid cars to renewable energy sources to clean-coal technology, I applaud Obama's New Energy for America plan, outlined his Web site.

Obama talks about unity, about bringing the country together again and restoring respect for the U.S. around the world. It is high time for dignity, respect, and unity for and in America. I can't vote in this year's election, but if you're fortunate enough to be at least 18 years old -- make your voice heard.

Elisabeth Asher is a senior at Glenelg High School. You can reach her at cdumler@theviewnewspapers.com.

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