Shoshana Akabas is editor in chief of Political Fire, a political newspaper at Stuyvesant High School, a renowned public school in New York. She hasn’t always been interested in politics — a few years ago, she was pretty apathetic even though both of her older brothers — Tal and Shai Akabas — were editors on the newspaper. They encouraged her to read about the issues, and she found that the more she knew, the more involved she wanted to be.

Shoshana was the driving force behind Political Fire’s Web site earlier in the school year. Because of some financial concerns with the printed newspaper, the then-editor in chief wanted to delay the launch of the Web site, www.stuypoliticalfire.com. Shoshana pressed on and not only launched the Web site but has gained the editorship, too. “It has been very successful and has many obvious advantages over the printed newspaper (no lack of space, no strict deadlines, no cost, etc.),” she wrote in an e-mail. “This goes to show: If you care about something, take charge!”

What do you consider your biggest success with Political Fire?

Probably the amount of votes we got on our site poll in the first week. I was really shocked at how many people wanted their voices heard. I'd estimate about 100. I was under the impression that because people didn't know about the issues, they wouldn't care. That proved to be false. I have found that people are willing and even want to learn and form their own opinions about political issues. They only need the right resources.

What advice would you give to other kids who want to get politically involved?

Just start reading. Read up on the hot topics — there are tons of articles on the Internet. Educate yourself on the big issues, figure out where you stand and go from there.

If you could pass any piece of legislation, what issue would it be on?

Anything environmental. This is one area where our legislation is seriously lacking. We have one of the lowest auto efficiency standards in the world. Tighter recycling regulations need to be passed. More forest areas need to be preserved. Without these changes, our environment faces serious danger.

Copyright 2008 Y-Press