I intern full-time on Capitol Hill for one of the best Democrats in Congress. I see tons of letters in favor of his work every day, and can only applaud the office culture of community and inclusion he shapes by example.

Today, however, I got t he most angry constituent call ever. I am sure the person on the other end of the line was unaware he was speaking to an intern just one week in the office.  He did not know how familiar I am with the sacrifice from central Texas towards the war and it tore my heart to sit there and listen to his rage...my least-favorite part of the job.

Mr. Doe has two sons in Iraq and each have done more tours than expected. He made the unique observation that an unending war would only spew more blood- I use the word unique because it put an image in my mind that I've blocked out for too long. The war in Iraq can only eat away at our youth. I support the troops so much that I want to spare their lives and save my country enough money aimed at violence to pay for things like healthcare for our poor, an education for future students, and enough to pay back the billions of dollars we owe Japan, China, and Saudi Arabia.

 It is our generation, not that of politicians that are too afraid to speak against the President, that will suffer the consequences of poor decisions today. I think it is a fallacy to live in fear by making rights-stripping, over-budgeted decisions.

As someone on the grounds of the political battle field, I’ve seen the action taken when citizens speak out. If you don’t like the way things are- about the war, FISA, or anything else- please be sure to register to vote for the Presidential election in November and, more important, to vote for a person who will stand up for what is right in congress.

This week, model the way yourself by simply contacting your Representative and Senator to ask for change on an issue close to your heart!