Even though I grew up in a poor family, I used to believe in the American dream of starting with nothing, and making it big, but it is clear that the rich get richer, and the poor get poorer. High drop out rates in high schools, and the high cost of college educations leave many with only minimum wage jobs as options. Prices and the cost of living in general keep increasing, but wages do not, oil companies report record profits each quarter, and gas prices increase.

We are told that voting is the only way to express political needs, but the two corporate parties do all they can to ensure the voice of the poor is not heard. From having fewer polling booths in poorer neighborhoods, to putting election day on a work day, and even challenging the right of voters (mostly minority) to vote at the ballots, people become disenfranchised and quit voting altogether. Even when we vote for a change by the vote, and a new Democratic Party congress is elected, they choose to continue to fund our wars for oil and not make any of the changes they were elected to make.

I joined Socialist Alternative because I want to live in a world were there are fair opportunities for people to succeed. We can change the injustices of capitalism to a democratic economy, and guarantee living wages and the basic necessities of life for everyone.