During my college years, I hated it when people talked about how apathetic and cynical our generation was. I never believed it! Students then and now care deeply about their world – about the environment, civil rights, poverty, education, health care and more. But they feel that no one will listen to them – that they can’t make a difference when big money dominates our political agenda.
A “fresh start for democracy” for me will be the explosion of a movement of millions of students and young people, using all their creativity and enthusiasm to change our political system to include everyone – not just wealthy campaign funders. That means winning public financing of election campaigns and getting big private money out of politics. Only then will our elected leaders do what’s in the people’s interest. Only then will they listen to the voices of all Americans, not just the special interests.
As an NBA player, my responsibility is not only to try to do my job on the court. I have a moral and political responsibility to bring awareness of injustice to the public and help correct it. That's why I am involved in the movement for campaign finance reform – working with young people across the country through Democracy Matters and Common Cause. Together we are building the exciting diverse movement that will be a “fresh start.” Young people are ready to move -- to win the fight for public financing of election campaigns and take back our democracy.
--Adonal Foyle
Center, Orlando Magic
Founder and Board Chair, Democracy Matters
Join Adonal in signing the Fresh Start for Democracy petition today!